Drugadhesive

Drugadhesive refers to adhesive formulations that incorporate a pharmaceutical agent for local or systemic delivery. The concept is most commonly encountered in drug-in-adhesive systems, where the therapeutic agent is dispersed within the adhesive layer that adheres to a surface such as skin or mucosa, enabling controlled release over time.

In practice, drugadhesives are widely used in transdermal patches, where the adhesive layer contains the drug and releases it through the skin into the bloodstream. They are also employed in wound dressings and biomedical dressings that deliver antibiotics, antiseptics, or anti-inflammatory drugs directly to a wound site. Additional applications include dental adhesives that carry medicaments and implantable or medical-device coatings designed to release drugs at the local site.

The mechanism of action typically involves diffusion of the drug from the adhesive matrix into the surrounding tissue, often governed by the drug’s properties, the polymer composition, thickness of the adhesive, and skin condition. Release can be constant (zero-order) or follow other kinetic profiles depending on the formulation and environment.

Advantages of drugadhesives include simplified administration, improved patient adherence, and the ability to provide sustained or localized therapy with reduced peak concentrations. Limitations include dose variability due to sweating or movement, skin irritation or sensitization, drug stability within the adhesive, and manufacturing complexity.

Regulatory considerations for drugadhesives depend on whether they are classified as medicated dressings, transdermal devices, or combination products. They require biocompatibility assessments and appropriate drug regulator approvals prior to market.