Transdermal therapeutic system having improved delivery characteristics

A transdermal therapeutic system particularly adapted for application to sensitive skin surfaces for an extended time period comprising, in combination:

• (a) a matrix containing an active agent to be dispensed therefrom at an initial concentration, C.sub.o, no greater than the saturation concentration of said agent in the matrix and having a diffusion coefficient of said agent in said matrix, D.sub.m ;
• (b) fibrous reinforcing means imbedded in the body distal surface of said matrix, at least the exterior portion of said fibrous reinforcing means being a solvent for said agent having a solubility for said agent, C.sub.r, less than C.sub.o, and having a diffusion coefficient for said agent in said portion, D.sub.r ;
• (c) said agent, matrix and exterior portion of said fibrous reinforcing means are selected such that:
• D.sub.r .multidot.C.sub.r <D.sub.m .multidot.C.sub.o ;
• and
• (d) said matrix being adherent to said sensitive skin surface with a peel strength sufficiently high to allow said system to remain in place for said extended time period and sufficiently low to the removed without discomfort.