What purpose does a transdermal disk/patch serve?

The purpose of a transdermal disk or patch is to absorb medication through the skin slowly over an extended period of time. This delivery system allows for a consistent release of medication into the bloodstream over hours or days, which can help maintain therapeutic levels of the drug without the need for frequent dosing. Transdermal patches are particularly useful for medications that benefit from sustained release, such as those for pain management, hormone replacement, or smoking cessation.

This method of administration bypasses the digestive system, which can lead to variable absorption rates and degradation of the medication. By delivering the drug through the skin directly into systemic circulation, transdermal patches can provide more stable plasma drug levels and enhance patient compliance due to their convenience and ease of use.