Medicated patches, when to use them

I medicated patches are medicines for cutaneous use that are applied to the skin and release controlled and constant amounts of medication so that the active ingredient reaches the area affected by inflammation.

They are generally used for the local treatment of pain

They are generally used for local treatment of pain and inflammation; they are useful for painful states associated with minor trauma, mild contractures, stiff neck, rheumatic problems, inflammatory states, back pain, and muscle and joint pain.

The active ingredients most commonly used for the treatment of these disorders are the so-called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, diclofenac.

The patch cannot be placed on areas of skin with wounds, cuts or other injuries, nor on eyes or mucous membranes; it cannot be cut, but must be used in its entirety, precisely to avoid altering the dosage of the active ingredient.

It should be applied directly to the affected area, after removing the protective film, making it adhere well to the skin. Absorption through the skin is prolonged up to 12 or 24 hours, after which the medicated patch can be replaced, if necessary, with another.

Dosage

The dosage is in fact for an adult or adolescent patient over 16 years of age is 1-2 medicated patches per day, every 12 or 24 hours (however, the use of this product is to be avoided in children and adolescents under 16 years of age).

These patches can be purchased without a prescription and are indicated for temporary and minor ailments.

But it is always a good idea to consult your doctor to investigate the causes of the symptoms, before using them, and to update him or her, if necessary, on the appearance of other symptoms, during use, or if the pain does not go away and no improvement is seen (in which case further investigations should be done to assess the best treatment to follow).