Trandermal Delivery Systems

• Uses a gradient (high concentration drug in patch) and a matrix to facilitate transdermal absorption
• Patch often contains up to 100x the amount of drug that is on the label (ex: fentanyl 100mcg/hr actually = 10 MILLIGRAMS of fentanyl in patch)
• When prescribing the following will increase absorption: sweating, heat, swallowing the patch, trying to eat the gel in the patch
• Fentanyl and clonidine are the two most lethal patches on the market in regards to toxicity.
• Rarely needed in the ED, shouldn't be prescribed except in rare instances