Drug Delivery Methods and Parenteral Delivery

What is the primary method of delivering insulin since the 1920s?

Which method is commonly used to avoid first-pass metabolism?

What challenge still exists with oral delivery of protein drugs?

Why is the intestinal barrier considered a significant challenge in protein drug delivery?

What type of injection is typically used for most vaccines?

Which delivery method can lead to tissue necrosis if repeated often?

What is a significant barrier proteins face when delivered orally?

What strategy is being researched to improve oral delivery of protein drugs?

Which of the following routes is NOT part of parental delivery methods?

What is a potential downside of using injectable methods for protein drugs?

Drug Delivery Methods

Various routes exist for delivering drugs into the bloodstream, including subcutaneous, intravenous, oral, patch, etc.
The common method for insulin and many peptide/protein drugs is injection (parenteral).
Oral, nasal delivery are used often for smaller molecules.
Patch delivery exists for some drugs like nicotine.
Some locations (nose, lungs, rectum, vagina, eyes) have thinner tissue layers, aiding protein penetration.

Parenteral Delivery (Injection)

Includes intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SQ), and intradermal.
IV: Injection into veins/arteries. This is a common method for protein drugs, offering complete absorption, reduced waste, and avoidance of first-pass metabolism.
IM: Used for many vaccines.
SQ: A less invasive method than IV.
Risks associated with repeated injection include tissue damage (necrosis), overdose, local reactions, and hypersensitivity reactions.
Injection is often painful, decreasing patient acceptance.

Oral Delivery

Active research area, but widespread oral delivery of proteins is less likely.
Proteins are deactivated by enzymes in the digestive system.
Formulations are being developed to protect proteins from degradation.
The intestinal barrier prevents most proteins from being absorbed.
- The mucus layer, while protective, is a significant barrier.

Intestinal Barrier

The intestines absorb nutrients.
The small intestine is the primary absorption site.
Absorption methods include transcellular (through cells), paracellular (between cells), and via specific protein transporters.
The mucus layer presents a challenge to absorption.

Explore various drug delivery routes, including parenteral methods like intravenous and subcutaneous injections. Understand the advantages and risks associated with each method, as well as their applications in treating different conditions. This quiz covers essential concepts related to pharmacology and drug administration.