Cutaneous administrations refer to the delivery of drugs or therapeutic agents through the skin for systemic or local effects. It is a method by which the active ingredients are applied directly to the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream or exert their effect on the outer layers of the skin. This mode of drug administration offers several advantages such as convenience, ease of use, and avoidance of gastrointestinal irritations associated with oral administration.
Various cutaneous administration techniques are employed, including topical application, transdermal patches, iontophoresis, and microneedle arrays. Topical application involves directly applying the drug or formulation onto the skin surface, where it can act locally or penetrate into underlying tissues. Transdermal patches, on the other hand, are adhesive patches containing the drug formulated in a way that allows its slow release into the skin over a specific period of time.
Iontophoresis utilizes an electric current to drive ions of the drug into the skin, aiding in rapid drug absorption. Microneedle arrays consist of tiny needles that painlessly puncture the skin, creating microchannels through which the drug can bypass the stratum corneum and reach the underlying layers.
Cutaneous administrations can be used for a variety of purposes, including treating skin disorders, providing localized pain relief, delivering hormonal therapy, and administering vaccines. However, efficacy can vary based on factors such as the physicochemical properties of the drug, the condition of the skin, and the specific administration technique chosen.
