Narendra Pentu*, Sallagarige Varsha, Niharika Ratnakaram and Rodda Deekshith

CMR College of Pharmacy, Kandlakoya (V), Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

*Corresponding Author: Narendra Pentu, Department of Pharmaceutics, CMR College of Pharmacy, Kandlakoya (V), Medchal, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Received: April 06, 2026 Published: May 11, 2026

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery system, also known as transdermal patches, represent an advanced pharmaceutical approach designed to deliver therapeutic agents across the skin surface and enters into systemic circulation. These systems overcome several limitations associated with conventional oral and parenteral dosage forms, such as hepatic first-pass metabolism, gastrointestinal degradation, poor patient compliance, and frequent dosing. In recent decades, transdermal patches have gained popularity due to their non-invasive nature, controlled and sustained release capabilities, and enhanced safety profiles. A typical transdermal patch consists of a drug-loaded matrix or reservoir, an adhesive layer for skin application, a backing membrane to prevent drug loss, and a rate controlling membrane in some formulations. Upon application, the drug permeates through the stratum corneum—the primary barrier of the skin—followed by diffusion into deeper epidermal and dermal layers before entering the systemic circulation. Various permeation enhancement techniques, including chemical enhancers, microneedles, iontophoresis, and microemulsions, are employed to improve drug penetration, particularly for molecules with poor skin permeability. Transdermal patches provide several clinical advantages, including maintenance of steady plasma drug concentrations, reduction in adverse effects, improved therapeutic efficacy, and enhanced patient adherence, especially for chronic therapy. Drugs with low molecular weight, adequate lipophilicity, and potency are considered ideal candidates for transdermal delivery. Currently approved patches include formulations of nicotine, fentanyl, clonidine, nitroglycerin, and hormonal therapies. Continuous research focuses on expanding the range of drugs suitable for transdermal administration through advanced materials, nanotechnology-based carriers, and physical enhancement approaches. Despite these advantages, TDDS also present challenges such as limited drug permeability across intact skin, potential for skin irritation, variability in absorption based on physiological and environmental factors, and complexity of manufacturing processes. Regulatory considerations and quality control parameters require careful evaluation of drug release kinetics, adhesive properties, safety and stability.

Keywords: Transdermal Patch; Polymer Matrix; Adhesives; Permeation Enhancers; Backing Membrane

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Citation

Citation: Narendra Pentu. et al. “A Review on the Development of Transdermal Patches with Natural Polymers". Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences 10.5 (2026): 31-41.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Narendra Pentu. et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.