What is the correct instruction for using nitroglycerin dermal patches?

What is the correct instruction for using nitroglycerin dermal patches?

• A. Apply a patch once a day for 1 hour to ensure that the medication gets absorbed through the skin.
• B. Apply each patch daily to the same area of skin to maximize absorption.
• C. Remove the old patch and cleanse the area, then apply a new patch to a different area of skin.
• D. Massage the area of skin around the patch to stimulate absorption of the medication.

Answer: (C)

Rotating where the patch is worn and preparing the skin properly are essential for transdermal nitroglycerin. When you remove a patch, you should cleanse and dry the area to remove oils or lotions that can block absorption and prevent good adhesion. Then place a new patch on a different part of the body. This daily site rotation helps prevent tolerance to the medication and reduces the risk of local skin irritation, ensuring a steady, predictable delivery of nitrate. Avoid applying to the same spot every time or massaging the area, since rubbing or warming the skin can increase absorption and raise the risk of adverse effects like headaches or low blood pressure. Also, handle patches with dry hands and dispose of used patches properly after removal.

Rotating where the patch is worn and preparing the skin properly are essential for transdermal nitroglycerin. When you remove a patch, you should cleanse and dry the area to remove oils or lotions that can block absorption and prevent good adhesion. Then place a new patch on a different part of the body. This daily site rotation helps prevent tolerance to the medication and reduces the risk of local skin irritation, ensuring a steady, predictable delivery of nitrate.

Avoid applying to the same spot every time or massaging the area, since rubbing or warming the skin can increase absorption and raise the risk of adverse effects like headaches or low blood pressure. Also, handle patches with dry hands and dispose of used patches properly after removal.