Routes of administration
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Routes of drug administration can be divided into three main classes as enteral, parenteral and topical.
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Enteral administration refers to administration of drugs via the gut.
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Parenteral (par – beyond, enteral - intestinal) administration covers intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal etc.
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Topical application refers to application of drugs on the skin and mucous membrane.
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Factors governing the choice of route are:
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Physical and chemical properties of the drug (solid/liquid/gas; solubility, stability, pH, irritancy)
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Site of desired action – localized or generalized
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Rate and extent of absorption of the drug from different routes
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Effect of digestive juices and first pass metabolism of the drug
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Rapidity with which the response is desired (routine treatment or emergency)
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Accuracy of dosage required (intravenous and inhalation need fine tuning of dose)
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Condition of the patient (unconscious, vomiting)
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 5:30 AM