Administration procedure for intranasal medication could be spraying, instillation or topical
Advantages of intranasal meds:
high surface area, adherence and permeability
rapid therapeutic level
direct contact with lymphatic tissue
bypass first pass effect
Disadvantages of intranasal meds:
risk of nasal irritation
damage to eyelashes
limits classes of meds which could be used
Absorption of intranasal medication can be passive (paracellular or transcellular) or active
A topical medication is administered onto skin, nails and hair
action can be local or systemic
indications: topical administration for preventive or therapeutic purposes
contraindications: allergy or sensitivity
Topical medication function:
promote wound healing
reduce pain
reduce dermatological problem
moisture
clean and disinfect skin
manage infection
prevent deterioration or development of condition
Most common forms of topical meds are lotions, creams, ointments, powders, shampoos, oils, foams and gels
Ointment and oils are more occlusive than creams and gels
Absorption of topical medications is influenced by medication, anatomical site, skin conditions, time of applications, application (layer and distribution) and cleaning of the area
Important to wear gloves when administering cream on a pt
Ophthalmic medication is inserted into the eye for absorption by the ocularmucosa
action is local
function could be for infection, surgery, dryness, allergies, glaucoma, conjunctives prophylaxis
contraindications is a foreign body penetrating the eye or chemical burns
Administration of ophthalmic medication is done aseptically in the subconjunctival sac. Important to follow recommended steps and wear gloves
An auricular medication is given into the auditory conduct
action is local
indication is to soften cerumen, reduce inflammation or pain, infections
contraindications is the perforation of the tympanic membrane, allergies, auditory canal trauma
Precautions for auricular medication
administer at room temperature
always use a sterile solution
do not apply pressure
do not obstruct the auditory duct
Rectal medication can have a local or systemic effect
Indications for rectal medication is dysphagia, nausea or vomiting, staying NPO, functional absorption by the rectal mucous membrane, palliative phase of a disease
Contraindications for rectal medication is a rectal tumor or abscess, arrythmias, rectal bleeding, rectal or prostate surgery, hematology conditions
Types of medications given rectally are suppositories, capsules, ointments, liquids, tablets and gels
Factors affecting absorption of rectal medication are presence of stool, diarrhea, solution used, local irritation and anastomosis
Administering an enema rectally is the introduction of a large volume of solution to stimulate peristalsis or irritate the mucosa to stimulate peristalsis
Types of enemas
hypotonic: softens stool, not very common
isotonic solution: softens stool, safest solution
hypertonic: sodium phosphate, most common
oil retention: mineral oil to lubricate stool, common
Sublingual meds are given under the tongue. Contraindications are according to the drug as well as the disturbance of GI function, certain diagnostic tests or surgeries
Sublingual meds are directly diffused into the blood vessels under the tongue. Certain are extended release medications which means they are released in the bloodstream over a period of specific intervals