What are the benefits to transdermal therapy?

• Ease of application
• Local concentrations of the active medications can be achieved that are higher than those obtained using oral or injectable routes
• Transdermal therapy reduces drug side-effects because the patient’s kidneys and/or liver exposure to the active ingredients is eliminated or greatly reduced. Further, gastrointestinal difficulties, that are often seen with the oral administration of pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs, are eliminated.

Conditions that transdermal therapy may benefit:

A number of medical conditions, often associated with chronic pain, that may be treated by utilizing a transdermal delivery of active medications include, among others:

• Bursitis
• Cranio-facial neuralgia
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Epicondylitis
• Gout
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neuropathic pain
• Psoriasis
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS, RSD)
• Sport injuries
• Tendonitis
• TMJ
• Trauma to wrists, ankles, fingers and toes
• Vascular diseases
• Patients unable or unwilling to use oral, injectable, or rectal medications
• An uncooperative pet

Where are transdermal medications applied?

• To trigger points, or the site of back or joint pain or TMJ disorder – e.g., analgesic or anti-inflammatory
• To the arm, wrist, or behind the ear for systemic effect - e.g., antiemetic or hormone replacement therapy
• To the inside of an animal’s ear or another closely clipped or hairless area – e.g., antiemetic, cardiac, or behavioral therapy

For more information

Article: Trans-Dermal Treatment of Pain