Nitrodisc is a type of transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) designed to deliver nitroglycerin through the skin for the management of angina pectoris (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart).
Transdermal systems like Nitrodisc use a patch that is applied to the skin, from which the drug diffuses across the skin layers and enters systemic circulation. This approach offers several advantages:
- Bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism
- Provides controlled and sustained drug release
- Improves patient compliance due to ease of use
Nitrodisc contains a reservoir of nitroglycerin and often utilizes a rate-controlling membrane to regulate drug release over a specific duration, usually 24 hours.
Explanation of options:
- (a) Ocular: Intended for eye delivery (e.g., eye drops or inserts).
- (b) Transdermal: Correct. Nitrodisc is applied to the skin for systemic action.
- (c) Mucosal: Refers to buccal, rectal, or vaginal drug delivery.
- (d) Nasal: Involves drug delivery via nasal sprays or drops.