Final answer:
Fentanyl is the analgesic typically administered via a transdermal patch for pain management. It is a potent opioid that provides continuous pain relief when applied to the skin. Fentanyl is part of a class of medications that includes morphine, oxycodone, and others, but stands out for its transdermal administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug that is an analgesic commonly administered via transdermal patch is fentanyl. It is known to be a potent opioid pain medication and is used to manage severe pain, typically for patients who require long-term pain management. Fentanyl patches work by slowly releasing the medication through the skin into the bloodstream, providing continuous pain relief.
Fentanyl falls under the category of opioids, which are medications that, in addition to providing analgesia (pain relief without loss of consciousness), can have narcotic effects at higher doses, causing drowsiness and loss of consciousness. Other opioid medications include morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine, but not all are typically administered through a transdermal patch as fentanyl is.