Table of contents:
- What is patch?
- Know the types of patches and their uses
- 1. Topical analgesics
- 2. Nicotine patch
- 3. Nitroglycerin patch
- 4. Fentanyl patch
- 5. Lidocaine patch
Many people choose to use patches or patches to minimize the side effects of oral or injection medications. So, if so far people only know patches as a remedy for muscle aches and pains, it turns out that patches have various types that are tailored to their use, you know! See an explanation of the types of patches and their uses in this article.
What is patch?
Koyo or the medical language is called transdermal patch is a type of external medicine that is applied to the surface of the patient's skin to help treat certain medical problems. Patches are made from a variety of medicinal chemicals designed in such a way that the drug can penetrate the skin. The drug content is absorbed through the outer layer of the skin and then into the deeper layers of the skin. In the deepest layer of the skin the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream which is then circulated through the body.
Most Indonesian people generally only know the types of patches to get rid of aches, muscle aches, or joints in the body. Even though there are various types of patches. In the medical world, doctors use patches to treat certain medical conditions, when it is not possible to give oral drugs or injections to patients.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, patches can help prevent side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, and internal bleeding that sometimes results from taking pills.
Know the types of patches and their uses
Here are some types of patches in the medical world and their uses:
1. Topical analgesics
Various drugs over-the-counter (OTC) is available in the market for pain relief in several conditions. Generally, people know this type of patch to treat aches and injuries to bones and muscles. How do these patches work by bringing anti-inflammatory drugs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs / NSAIDs) directly to the affected area. Thus, the anti-inflammatory effect can be felt immediately without affecting other organs of the body.
2. Nicotine patch
Nicotine patch is a patch that is used to help people quit smoking. The chemical content in the patch provides a slow and steady amount of nicotine to the bloodstream, thus preventing the patient from smoking cigarettes. The goal of this treatment is to get the patient to stop using nicotine altogether.
Some people who try to quit smoking using nicotine patches admit to experiencing more friendly treatment than having to consume chewing gum or lozenges.
3. Nitroglycerin patch
This type of patch is used by people who experience angina, which is chest pain caused by narrowed blood vessels in the heart (coronary artery disease). Well, the function of this nitroglycerin patch is to relax these blood vessels so that the heart gets more blood and more oxygen. Nitroglycerin patch can prevent angina pain, but is not used to treat chest pain. This patch is usually worn for 12-14 hours a day.
4. Fentanyl patch
Fentanyl patch This is a patch that contains strong narcotics and is only used to treat chronic pain. These patches work through the central nervous system to provide long-term pain relief. Because it contains strong narcotics, fentanyl can be addictive. That is why, treatment using this patch is only available with a doctor's prescription which must be continuously monitored for its use.
5. Lidocaine patch
According to the American Cancer Society, lidocaine patches is a type of local anesthetic patch that doctors usually use to treat tingling and burning pain. For example, the pain you might experience if you have an inflamed nerve or what is commonly referred to as a rash. Before using this type of patch, things that must be considered are lindocaine patch can interact with other medications, especially if you are taking heart medications. Not only that, pregnant women should also avoid using this type of patch.
