Routes of administration

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