What is one benefit of transdermal drug administration?

Transdermal drug administration is beneficial primarily because it results in consistent plasma concentrations of the drug. This method allows the medication to be absorbed through the skin at a controlled rate, leading to a steady release into the bloodstream over time. As a result, patients experience more stable drug levels, which can improve therapeutic effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects associated with peaks and troughs in drug concentration. Consistency in plasma concentration is particularly important in managing chronic conditions where steady medication levels are critical for optimal treatment outcomes.

On the other hand, high incidence of side effects is not a desirable characteristic of any drug delivery method, and frequent dosing intervals are typically associated with other routes of administration, which may not be convenient for patients. The first pass effect, which refers to the metabolism of a drug by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation, is minimized with transdermal administration, enhancing the bioavailability of the drug compared to oral routes.