What is a transdermal route of medication administration?

The transdermal route of medication administration involves delivering medication through the skin using a patch or similar method. This approach allows for the gradual absorption of medication into the bloodstream over an extended period, providing a sustained therapeutic effect without the need for frequent dosing. The skin acts as a barrier, and the transdermal system is designed to facilitate the penetration of the drug through this barrier directly into the circulation. This method is particularly useful for delivering medications that require consistent serum concentrations, such as pain relievers, hormones, or nicotine replacement therapy.

The other options refer to different routes of administration that do not align with the definition of transdermal. Oral administration involves swallowing medication, injecting medication refers to administering it directly into the body using a syringe, and absorption through the lungs pertains to inhalation methods. Each of these routes has its unique advantages and applications, but they do not encompass the characteristics of transdermal delivery.