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Trandermal Delivery Systems
- Uses a gradient (high concentration drug in patch) and a matrix to facilitate transdermal absorption
- Patch often contains up to 100x the amount of drug that is on the label (ex: fentanyl 100mcg/hr actually = 10 MILLIGRAMS of fentanyl in patch)
- When prescribing the following will increase absorption: sweating, heat, swallowing the patch, trying to eat the gel in the patch
- Fentanyl and clonidine are the two most lethal patches on the market in regards to toxicity.
- Rarely needed in the ED, shouldn't be prescribed except in rare instances