What does a transdermal patch do?

A transdermal patch is designed to administer medication through the skin and into the bloodstream. This method allows for a controlled release of medication over a prolonged period, making it effective for various uses, including hormone therapy, pain management, and smoking cessation.

Transdermal patches are particularly beneficial because they bypass the digestive system, which can alter how medications are absorbed and metabolized. The medication in the patch is absorbed through the skin, leading to steady blood levels without the peaks and troughs associated with oral medications.

The other options do not reflect the primary function of a transdermal patch. While some patches may be used for pain relief, their application is not limited to that purpose, which is why the assertion that they are solely for pain relief is inaccurate. Additionally, transdermal patches do not deliver medication for oral ingestion, nor do they act merely as barriers to external irritants; their main function is the systemic delivery of medication through the skin.