What are the impacts on society from research with transdermal infusion?

One method of taking medicine is known as transdermal infusion. As the name implies, medicine is absorbed into the body through the skin, after being placed in a package fastened to the body like a bandage. Medicines to prevent motion sickness and to treat some coronary conditions are sometimes given in this way. Identify and explore some of the applications of transdermal infusion and the research that made this technique possible. Write a two page report that evaluates the impact this research has had on society.








I need information for a report for Science Class.

What are the impacts on society from research with transdermal infusion?
Infusion usually refers to the administration of a drug or IV fluid directly into the blood over a period of time. Transdermal administration uses diffusion of the drug across the skin as a route for drug entry into the body. One familiar transdermal application is Trans-scop, which is a scopolamine patch used for motion sickness. Another common application is a nitrate patch for angina. The drug doesn't have to be in a patch-- it can simply be a gel or lotion applied to the skin. If the drug only passes into the immediate area, it will only have local effects, like relieving joint pain. Other drugs may be absorbed into the systemic circulation (blood), so they can have effects all over the body, or at a site away from where it was applied (like nitrates and angina).





Newer transdermal applications include nicotine patches (ie Nicoderm), birth control patches (ie Ortho Evra), and pain control patches (ie Duragesic).





In addition to using passive diffusion, new methods of transdermal delivery include penetrating agents that help the drug cross the skin, microneedle arrays that open tiny painless holes, sonophoresis that uses sound waves to help the drug cross, and iontophoresis which uses electricity to push the drug across.





Advantages of transdermal administration:


Can be more convenient for the patient


Less invasive than needles / IV


Can release drug slowly over time


Avoids first pass metabolism by the liver (drugs taken orally are absorbed in the small intestine and into the bloodstream, which flows through the portal vein to the liver, which can break down a lot of the drug before it reaches the rest of the body)





Requirements for Transdermal administration:


Drug must be able to pass through the barrier of the skin (specific molecular characteristics)


Drug must be potent because only small amounts can be given this way