Transcutaneous medications precaution?

Transcutaneous medications precaution?

• A. They should be applied to mucous membranes.
• B. They should be touched to promote absorption.
• C. Avoid touching to prevent absorption.
• D. They never cross the skin.

Answer: (C)

Transcutaneous medications rely on the skin to deliver drug into the body, so the main precaution is to avoid touching the medicated surface to prevent inadvertent absorption through your own skin. When handling patches, gels, or ointments, wear gloves and avoid contact with the drug-containing surface; if contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water and dispose of contaminated gloves. Do not apply these to mucous membranes, and keep the medication away from eyes. These products can and do cross the skin to produce systemic effects, so minimizing direct contact protects both you and the patient.

Transcutaneous medications rely on the skin to deliver drug into the body, so the main precaution is to avoid touching the medicated surface to prevent inadvertent absorption through your own skin. When handling patches, gels, or ointments, wear gloves and avoid contact with the drug-containing surface; if contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water and dispose of contaminated gloves. Do not apply these to mucous membranes, and keep the medication away from eyes. These products can and do cross the skin to produce systemic effects, so minimizing direct contact protects both you and the patient.