Cutaneous administration (/kjʊˈteɪniəs ədˌmɪnɪˈstreɪʃən/) is a medical term used to describe the delivery of drugs through the skin, aided by transdermal patches. The word "cutaneous" is derived from the Latin word "cutis," which means skin. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to break down the pronunciation of the term into its constituent sounds, highlighting the syllabic emphasis and helping readers to understand how to articulate the word correctly. Accurate spelling and pronunciation are essential in the medical field to avoid errors and confusion that can compromise patient care.
Cutaneous administration is a route of drug delivery where medications are applied topically onto the skin for local or systemic effect. This method involves the application of drugs in various forms such as ointments, creams, lotions, gels, or patches directly onto the skin surface. The medications are absorbed through the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, which acts as a barrier protecting the body from external substances and pathogens.
Cutaneous administration has several advantages. It enables drugs to be delivered locally, targeting specific areas of the body such as the skin, joints, or mucous membranes. This route is particularly beneficial for treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or localized pain. Additionally, cutaneous administration bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, avoiding potential degradation or alteration of active ingredients by stomach acid or digestive enzymes. This method also offers a non-invasive alternative to injection-based delivery, which can be more convenient and less painful for patients.
The absorbed drugs can have both local and systemic effects. Local effects primarily occur when drugs act directly at the site of application, whereas systemic effects involve the absorption of drugs into the bloodstream, leading to effects throughout the body. The systemic absorption of drugs through cutaneous administration can occur slowly, providing a sustained release effect, or more rapidly, depending on factors such as the drug's formulation, skin condition, and individual variability. Special considerations, such as the selection of appropriate dosage forms, permeation enhancers, and skin penetration enhancers, may be necessary to optimize drug absorption through the skin.
The word "cutaneous" derives from the Latin word "cutis", which means "skin". The term "administration" comes from the Latin word "administrare", where "ad-" means "to" and "ministrare" means "to manage or serve". Therefore, "cutaneous administration" refers to the process of delivering a substance or medication to the body through the skin.