Kamel Earar, Dorin Ioan Cocoș, Mariana Păcurar
Abstract
Prolonged-release transdermal systems represent a modern and minimally invasive alternative in the pharmacological management of orofacial conditions characterized by chronic pain and neuroinflammation. By ensuring steady-state drug levels and bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism, these systems improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects associated with oral or injectable routes. Technological innovations, such as microneedles, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, and lipid-based nanocarriers, have enabled precise control of transdermal drug delivery and increased tissue targeting. Clinical applications include temporomandibular disorders, trigeminal neuralgia, mucosal pain lesions, and refractory chronic orofacial pain. These platforms are especially advantageous in patients with poor compliance or gastrointestinal intolerance. Recent advances also include smart patches with biosensors that adjust release rates in real-time, representing a step toward adaptive, personalized therapy. Despite their benefits, limitations such as skin permeability variability, cost, and lack of standardized protocols remain challenges to widespread clinical adoption. Future directions focus on integrating artificial intelligence and neuromodulation interfaces, aiming not only for symptom control but also for modifying disease trajectories.
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab