What dosage form is applied to the skin for delivery?

The transdermal patch is specifically designed for application on the skin to deliver medication directly into the bloodstream over an extended period. This dosage form utilizes the skin as a route for systemic absorption, allowing for a steady release of the active ingredient, resulting in a consistent therapeutic effect. It is particularly beneficial for medications that require prolonged effects or that might cause gastrointestinal irritation if taken orally.

Other options, such as oral tablets and injectable solutions, are not designed for skin application. Oral tablets are meant to be ingested and absorbed through the digestive system, while injectable solutions are administered through needles, directly into muscles, veins, or subcutaneously. Topical ointments are applied to the skin, but they generally provide localized effects rather than systemic delivery, making them distinct from the pharmacokinetics of transdermal patches. This difference emphasizes why the transdermal patch is the correct choice for a dosage form applied to the skin for systemic drug delivery.