A REVIEW ARTICLE ON TRANSEDERMAL PATCHES USED FOR MUSCLE RELAXATION

Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is an emerging modality in drug administration of skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs), which have significant benefits in comparison to traditional oral and injectable delivery methods. Including tizanidine and baclofen, which often exhibit poor bioavailability, first-pass liver metabolism, and overall systemic adverse effects, including sedation and gastrointestinal malfunctions. These restrictions are especially harmful to the elderly population and chronically comorbid patients. TDDS bypass such limitations, and as a result, they can be used to effect transcutaneous drug delivery. It examines a range of transdermal patch technologies, such as matrix and reservoir systems, and novel carriers, such as aspasomes and niosomes that have been designed to overcome the cutaneous barrier. Besides, the paper outlines formulation plans that include penetration enhancers and polymer matrix, and any preclinical and limited clinical data that supports the effectiveness and patient compliance of such systems. As the substantive issues remain largely similar, namely, the limitations of skin permeability and the necessity of large-scale clinical trials, the emergence of transdermal SMRs gives a more patient-friendly method, safer, and more effective option in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.