Final answer:
Medicated patches are adhesive-backed patches applied to the skin to provide a sustained release of medication. Examples include fentanyl patches for pain management and nicotine patches for smoking cessation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medicated patches are adhesive-backed patches that are applied to the skin to provide a sustained, continuous release of medication over several hours or days. These patches contain medication that is absorbed through the skin and delivered into the bloodstream, allowing the medication to have a systemic effect.
For example, fentanyl patches are used to manage chronic pain by slowly releasing the opioid medication into the body over time. This sustained release helps maintain a consistent level of pain relief.
Other types of medicated patches include nitroglycerin patches for managing angina, nicotine patches for smoking cessation, and birth control patches for hormonal contraception.