Advancements in transdermal drug delivery systems: Enhancing medicine with pain-free and controlled drug release

Abstract

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDDSs) provide controlled and prolonged drug release, enhance patient compliance, reduce gastrointestinal side effects, and improve drug stability. By delivering medication directly through the skin, TDDSs avoid the initial breakdown of the drug in the liver, which can enhance the amount of medication that reaches the bloodstream. The noninvasive nature of TDDSs reduces discomfort for patients by eliminating the need for invasive procedures like injections, enabling uninterrupted use throughout the day. Innovations such as the development of microneedles with adjustable depths and nanoparticles with targeted drug delivery capabilities have significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of TDDSs. TDDSs have potential applications beyond pain management, including treating chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.