Transdermal drug delivery dosage forms

Transdermal drug delivery can be used in pediatric patients (1) to avoid problems of drug absorption from the oral route and complications from the intravenous route and (2) to maximize duration of effect and minimize adverse effects of drugs. Unfortunately, the commercially available transdermal dosage forms (e.g., clonidine and scopolamine) are not intended for pediatric patients these would deliver doses much higher than those needed for infants and children. 

Applications of zero-order processes include administration of a drug as an intravenous infusion, formulation and administration of a drug through controlled release dosage forms and administration of dmgs through transdermal drug delivery systems. 

Hiroji Megha B., Nagesh C., Devdatt J., Chandrashekhara S. (2012). Development and evaluation of transdermal drug delivery system using natural polysaccharides. Res. J. Pharm. Dosage Forms Tech., 4, 278-284. 

Rosin biomaterial has film-forming ability, utilized in the development of film-based drug delivery systems and dosage forms. Sustained release of the drug has been achieved with rosin-coated pellets prepared using diclofenac sodium as a model drug. Therefore, rosins can be used in the development of transdermal drug delivery systems. 

In recent years, drug delivery technologies have grown extensively that go beyond conventional oral dosage forms. For example, intravenous, transdermal, and implant technologies are widely used for sustained drug delivery over increased periods of time. The type of drug, its characteristics, and the intended indication determine the mode of delivery. 

Topical delivery systems are self-contained, discrete dosage forms that are designed to deliver drug via intact skin or body surface. There are three types of topical delivery systems transdermal, ocular, and intrauterine. 

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