What are creams, powders, lotions, gels, and transdermal patches classified as?

Creams, powders, lotions, gels, and transdermal patches are classified as topical medications because they are designed to be applied directly onto the skin or mucous membranes. This method of administration allows the active ingredients to act locally on the surface of the skin or be absorbed through the skin for systemic effect when appropriate, as seen with transdermal patches. Topical medications are utilized for a variety of conditions, including skin disorders, pain relief, and hormone delivery, offering a convenient and often effective route of treatment without the need for oral ingestion or injections.

Oral medications, in contrast, are taken by mouth and must pass through the digestive system before they take effect. Inhalation medications are delivered through the respiratory tract, primarily for conditions affecting the lungs, while parenteral medications involve administration via injections, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract entirely. Each of these other classifications serves different therapeutic needs and routes of administration.