Comparison of adhesive properties of two transdermal nitroglycerin controlled-release systems

The adhesive properties of two transdermal nitroglycerin controlled-release systems, Transderm-Nitro (TDN) and Nitro-Dur (ND), were compared in 65 patients receiving treatment for angina pectoris. Patients applied transdermal patches of both systems daily (randomized as to side of body applied) for four weeks and maintained daily diaries recording number of angina attacks, additional nitroglycerin use, patch adhesion, and skin problems. A total of 1,702 TDN and 1,692 ND patches were applied, of which six (0.4%) TDN and 83 (4.9%) ND fell off. An additional 4.8% of TDN patches and 16.2% of ND patches adhered only partially. Problems at site of application, such as itching, rash, or redness, were reported with both patches but were far more frequent with ND than with TDN. Patients preferred TDN (86.2%) over ND (9.2%).