TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: AN ATTRACTIVE APPROACH FOR TREATMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive degeneration of certain nerve cells causing ataxias and dementia affecting millions of people worldwide. Transdermal drug delivery systems – “patches” represent an attractive alternative to the conventional method and have made an important contribution to the management of the various medical conditions. A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch which delivers drug via skin to the systemic circulation in a controlled manner. The advancement of various sophisticated transdermal delivery technologies led to of increase in the number of approved drugs. This route of administration has several innate and major advantages that have the potential to benefit various patient populations, including those with nervous system disorders. The transdermal route is an ideal route for the management of chronic neurological conditions as they are capable of providing continued drug delivery and maintaining steadier plasma concentration of drugs thereby reducing adverse events. Moreover, a transdermal patch is convenient, efficient in enhancing medication therapy and patient compliance. This article reviews the rationale and scope of the transdermal route in neurological disorder, the different transdermal formulation approaches and various novel techniques employed in transdermal drug delivery.