Routes of administration

• What do routes of administration refer to?

  The methods by which a substance is introduced into the body
• How can routes of administration be categorized?

  • By body site where the substance enters:
  • Oral (mouth)
  • Sublingual (under tongue)
  • Buccal (inside cheek)
  • Topical (skin or mucous membranes)
  • Parenteral (injection into the body)
• Which route of administration is best for rapid medication relief?

  Intravenous (IV)
• What is the sublingual route of administration?

  Placing a tablet under the tongue
• What is the buccal route of administration?

  Placing a tablet between gum and cheek
• Why do sublingual and buccal routes allow for rapid drug absorption?

  Because the mucous membrane in those areas is highly vascular
• What are the methods of topical administration?

  • Lotions: Liquid preparations for skin
  • Creams: Semisolid mixtures with active ingredients
  • Ointments: Greasy, protective lipid-based preparations
  • Gels: Semisolid formulations with gel-like texture
  • Patches: Adhesive drug-delivery systems
  • Sprays: Fine mist applications
  • Aerosols: Fine particles delivered by pressure
• Which topical formulation is best for quick absorption and moisturizing the skin?

  Lotions or creams
• What are the parenteral routes of administration?

  • Intravenous (IV): Injection into a vein
  • Intramuscular (IM): Injection into a muscle
  • Subcutaneous (SC): Injection under the skin
• Which parenteral route is best for high-volume medication delivery?

  Intravenous (IV)
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of intravenous (IV) administration?

  Advantages:

  • Fastest absorption
  • Precise dosage

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Risk of infection
  • Must be administered by a medical professional
• What is a disadvantage of intramuscular (IM) administration?

  May be painful, requires skilled administration
• What is a disadvantage of subcutaneous (SC) administration?

  Slower absorption than IV or IM
• What is a key advantage of oral administration?

  Convenient and cost-effective
• If a doctor needs to administer a large-volume medication quickly but minimize pain, which route should they choose?

  Intramuscular (IM)