Transcutaneous Route of Drug Administration Quiz and Flashcards: Topical Route Advantages and Disadvantages

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary advantage of the topical route of drug administration?

It bypasses the first-pass effect of the liver

It provides localized effects on specific areas (correct)

It is a more convenient method of drug administration

It allows for sustained, controlled release over time

What is the site of action for the transcutaneous routes of drug administration?

Systemic circulation only

Liver only

Either local or systemic (correct)

Muscle tissue only

What is the main difference between the topical and transdermal routes of drug administration?

The site of action

The type of drug used

The duration of action

The absorption pattern (correct)

What is the primary application of the transdermal route of drug administration?

Delivering medications to the systemic circulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using patches in the transdermal route of drug administration?

They provide a sustained, controlled release of the drug Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of the transcutaneous routes of drug administration?

They allow for targeted delivery of the medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of understanding the transcutaneous routes of drug administration?

To guarantee safe and effective drug therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of transcutaneous drug administration over other routes?

It provides a more targeted approach to therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a transcutaneous route of drug administration?

Topical administration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of action for transcutaneous drug administration?

Skin or mucous membranes Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of transcutaneous drug administration?

It can be limited by skin permeability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of highlighting the importance of transcutaneous routes in contemporary healthcare practices?

To improve patient outcomes through effective drug therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of topical route of drug administration?

Better patient compliance Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of topical drugs?

They can only be used for drugs that require low plasma concentration for action Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of topical route of drug administration?

Enzymes in the epidermis may denature the drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is a step in the procedure of administering topical drugs?

Cleanse the application site with sterile solution Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of transdermal route of drug administration?

Drugs are formulated in a patch Signup and view all the answers

What is not a benefit of topical route of drug administration?

High molecular weight and lipid insolubility Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of transdermal drug delivery?

The drug seeps out of the patch through the skin at a controlled rate Signup and view all the answers

Why are certain regions of the body preferred for transdermal patch application?

They are thin-skinned or highly vascular Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of transdermal drug delivery over other routes of administration?

Steady infusion of the drug over an extended period Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the first-pass effect in drug administration?

To avoid the first-pass effect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is NOT an example of a transdermal drug?

Warfarin Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of simplified medication regimens in transdermal drug delivery?

Improved patient compliance and reduced inter-patient and intra-patient variability Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum daily dose of a drug that can be administered through a transdermal patch?

5mg Signup and view all the answers

What is a major constraint in using transdermal drug delivery systems?

High drug levels cannot be achieved in the blood Signup and view all the answers

Why are potent drugs suitable candidates for transdermal patches?

Because they can compensate for the limited drug entry into the skin Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step in administering transdermal drugs in nursing?

Performing hand hygiene Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the adhesive in the patch formulation does not adhere well to the patient's skin?

The patch may fall off unnoticed Signup and view all the answers

Why are ionic drugs not suitable for transdermal delivery?

Because they are not suitable for delivery through the skin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Transcutaneous Routes of Drug Administration

Transcutaneous routes involve the application of drugs directly onto the skin or mucous membranes.
The site of action for these routes can be either local (within the skin) or systemic (absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body).

Topical Route of Drug Administration

Refers to the application of medication to the surface of the skin or mucous membrane.
Intent is to contain the pharmacological effect of the drug only to the surface or within the layers of skin or mucous membrane.
Advantages:
- Convenient to use and easy to apply.
- Gastro-intestinal incompatibility will be avoided.
- Easy termination of medications when needed.
- Drug delivered selectively to a specific site.
- Better patient compliance
Disadvantages:
- Most drugs have a high molecular weight and are poorly lipid-soluble, so are not absorbed via skin or mucous membranes.
- Possibility of local skin irritation at the site of application.
- Contact dermatitis due to some drug and/or excipients may occur.
- Can be used only for those drugs which require low plasma concentration for action.
- Enzymes in the epidermis may denature the drugs.
Steps for administering topical drugs:
- Wash hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer.
- Gather all necessary supplies.
- Explain the procedure to the patient and position them comfortably.
- Put on gloves and any additional protective gear.
- Cleanse the application site with sterile solution.
- Open the medication packaging carefully.
- Apply the medication using a sterile applicator or cotton ball.
- Use a covering if required and secure it properly.
- Dispose of waste and clean up the area.
- Document the procedure in the patient's chart.

Transdermal Route of Drug Administration

A few drugs can be formulated such that a “patch” containing the drug is applied to the skin.
The drug seeps out of the patch, through the skin at a predetermined and controlled rate, and into the capillary bed.
Advantages:
- Delivers a steady infusion of the drug over an extended period of time.
- Adverse effects and therapeutic failures can be avoided.
- Increases the therapeutic value of many drugs by avoiding specific problems associated with the drug.
- Simplified medication regimen leads to an improved patient compliance and reduces inter-patient and intra-patient variability.
- Self-medication is possible with this type of system.
Disadvantages:
- The drug, the adhesive, or excipients in the patch formulation may cause rashes, local irritation, erythema, or contact dermatitis.
- Only potent drugs are suitable candidates for transdermal patch because of the natural limits of drug entry imposed by the skin’s impermeability.
- Doses of only 5mg or less can be administered in a day.
- The patch may be uncomfortable to wear as adhesives may not adhere well to all types of skin.
- Transdermal drug delivery system cannot achieve high drug levels in blood/plasma.
- Ionic drugs cannot be delivered using transdermal route.
- Patch may fall-off unnoticed.
Steps for administering transdermal drugs:
- Perform hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Gather all necessary supplies.
- Explain the procedure to the patient and ensure their cooperation.
- Position the patient comfortably, exposing the skin area where the transdermal patch will be applied.
Examples of transdermal drugs:
- Nicotine
- Fentanyl (opioid)
- Nitroglycerine (antianginal)
- Buprenorphine (opioid)
- Ensam (antidepressant)
- Daytrana (transdermal Ritalin)
- Scopolamine (anti-nausea)
- Estrogen and testosterone

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Description

This quiz covers the transcutaneous route of drug administration, including transdermal and topical routes. It discusses the site of action, absorption pattern, advantages, disadvantages, and examples of drugs administered through this route. Learn about pharmacology and therapeutics in this quiz.

Pharmacology: Transcutaneous Route of Drug Administration