Analgesic patches are a type of topical medication. Common types of analgesic patches include those made from traditional Chinese medicine, antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics, and opioid drugs. Are these patches used for pain relief? What are the precautions during use? Today, the pharmacist will introduce relevant knowledge to everyone.

Analgesic patches containing traditional Chinese medicine ingredients: timely removal for symptom relief

Chinese herbal pain relief patches generally have the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. They are commonly used for soft tissue injuries, sprains, shoulder periarthritis, muscle and joint pain, etc. There are many manufacturers and specifications for this type of product, with commonly used ones such as Wantong Jingu Kang Patch, Musk Bone Strengthening Cream, Pain Relieving Patch, etc.
This type of pain relief patch should be applied to the affected area, that is, wherever it hurts. It should be noted that it is generally not used on skin with ulceration, skin lesions or infections. Sensitive skin or long-term use may cause skin itching, stabbing pain, etc. Therefore, it should be removed in a timely manner after the symptoms are relieved.

Analgesic patches containing antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory ingredients generally contain "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs", which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and are used for osteoarthritis, tenosynovitis, muscle pain, swelling and pain caused by trauma, etc. Common drugs include flurbiprofen gel paste, diclofenac sodium paste, etc.
This type of analgesic patch should also be applied to the affected area and should not be used on damaged skin or mucous membranes. Patients with a history of asthma should use it with caution. At the same time, due to the fact that some drugs may be absorbed systemically when applied topically, long-term large-scale use should be avoided.

Lidocaine gel plaster is commonly used as analgesic plaster of local anesthetics. Mainly used to alleviate neuropathic pain such as postherpetic neuralgia.
When used, it should be applied to undamaged skin, covering the most painful area. It can be cut into small pieces with scissors according to the area of pain. For patients with weakness or liver dysfunction, it is recommended to reduce the usage area, and it is contraindicated for patients with a history of allergies to local anesthetics.

Opioid pain relief patch: suitable for moderate to severe pain

Opioid pain relief patches belong to anesthetic drugs and need to be obtained after a specialized prescription is issued by a professional physician. Commonly used ones include transdermal fentanyl patches. This type of medication is mainly used for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain, such as cancer pain.
Opioids are central analgesics that, after transdermal absorption, bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to provide pain relief. Therefore, these types of pain relievers should not be applied randomly, but should be applied according to the recommended areas in the instructions.
Fentanyl transdermal patches should be applied to the flat skin surface of the trunk or upper arm, and replaced every 72 hours. When changing the patch, the application site should be changed, and the same area of skin should be separated for at least a few days before repeated application. Additionally, it should be noted that an increase in temperature can accelerate the absorption of drugs. For patients with fever, close monitoring should be carried out, while avoiding direct contact between the application site and the heat source, such as heating pads, electric blankets, etc.
In short, the usage methods and scope of application of different pain relief patches vary, and should be selected according to specific circumstances. Pharmacists suggest that it is best to use them under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, and carefully read the drug instructions before medication.