A change in temperature may alter release of a drug from a transdermal patch. Increased absorption can result in an overdose while decreased absorption may result in ineffective therapy.
Possible mechanisms: (1) increased dermal blood flow, (2) increased drug diffusion from patch.
Factor
Increased Absorption
Decreased Absorption
body temperature
fever (hyperthermia)
hypothermia
application of an external temperature altering device
heat blanket or pad
ice or cooling blanket
radiant heat
heat lamp, sun exposure, tanning bed
rest and relaxation
sauna, hot tub
swimming in cold water
sleeping conditions
heated water bed
external temperature
extreme heat
extreme cold (if patch in on exposed skin)
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