Review on Polymers Used in Transdermal Drug Delivery System

Pharmacy

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) are a promising alternative to conventional oral and intravenous drug administration, offering high bioavailability, absence of first-pass hepatic metabolism, steady drug plasma concentrations, and non-invasive therapy. These systems are particularly beneficial for patients who cannot swallow or remember to take their medications. However, the transdermal route faces challenges such as enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism in the liver, which can decrease drug bioavailability. Transdermal drug delivery is the administration of therapeutic agents through intact skin for systemic effect. Transdermal delivery increasingly offers a promising alternative route for drug administration. The main obstacle to permeating drug molecules is the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. To address these issues, researchers are exploring ways to enhance TDDS by overcoming the stratum corneum layer, which is the main obstacle to permeating drug molecules. TDDS is primarily composed of polymers that regulate the drug's release from the apparatus. By dispersing the medication in a liquid or solid-state polymer base, the polymer matrix can be created. The polymers employed in TDDS should deliver consistent and repeatable drug release, as well as good stability and compatibility with the drug and other system components. Selecting the appropriate polymers is crucial for optimizing the formulation's properties and ensuring secure and effective drug delivery across the epidermal barrier.

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