An incorrect dosage of a topically delivered drug will adversely affect the drug's effectiveness for the patient. Like other drugs, topical medication must be handled and administered properly, as mishandling can result in serious side effects. Many topical drug delivery systems have a systematic or local effect when reaching the body's circulation system after application to the skin tissue. As such, accurate formulation is essential for successful topical drug delivery systems.
A topical drug delivery system is a way to deliver medication that is applied onto a particular part of the body, typically the skin, to treat various ailments. There are many common forms of topical medication such as lotions, gels, patches, and powders, but they are mainly formulated as creams or ointments.
Medications delivered via the topical route offer a whole host of benefits. Here are five benefits of using a topical drug delivery system.
Many patients struggle with oral drug administration. Some risk vomiting, while others find swallowing pills a near-impossible task. Consequently, if an orally administered drug is rejected, this reduces a drug’s effectiveness, prolonging the ailment. This problem is most common in infants or young children who are not used to swallowing tablets.
Medication administered through tablets or injections can easily be abused. Drug abuse by patients is far too common, especially with pain medications. Such abuse can lead to addiction. On the other hand, administering medication through ointments or creams greatly lowers the risk of abuse.
Topical medications not only help doctors and patients manage ailments, but also help to prevent the problem of drug abuse.
Almost everyone has a fear of something. Some people are afraid of injections or of swallowing tablets, but few are fearful of rubbing an ointment on their skin. For this reason, doctors find it easier to encourage their patients to take their medication when using a topical drug delivery system.
As a patient, you can also easily manage your medication at home. Gone are the days when you had to put up with disgusting pills or painful injections.
Previously, hospitals administered many medications by injection, filling their beds to capacity. Today, if your condition isn’t serious, you can walk into a hospital and walk out again a short time later with your topical medication. This leaves hospital beds free to cater to more serious cases and reduces both hospital and patient medical costs.
The increased adoption of topical medication in recent years has been impressive. This is largely due to the fact that the medication has proven to have more advantages than drawbacks. After all, the skin is ideal for drug administration, as it produces both systematic and local effects.
Call it a life-changing medical innovation. Topical drug delivery systems have surely changed the way we look at medication. More and more medical institutions and health practitioners are adopting this form of medication in an attempt to improve their services to patients. This medical breakthrough offers a future of health care that is definitely more effective and agreeable for patients.