Parenteral Routes Overview

Questions and Answers

Topical application is used when a local effect of the drug is ______.

desired

Clotrimazole is applied as a cream directly to the skin in the treatment of ______.

dermatophytosis

Tropicamide or Cyclopentolate are ______ directly into the eye to dilate the pupil.

instilled

The rectal route has the advantage of preventing the destruction of the drug by intestinal enzymes or by low ______ in the stomach.

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The rectal route also bypasses the portal ______.

circulation Signup and view all the answers

This minimizes the biotransformation of drugs by the ______.

liver Signup and view all the answers

The rectal route is useful if the drug induces ______ when given orally.

vomiting Signup and view all the answers

Disadvantages of the rectal route include discomfort, inconvenience and many drugs irritate the rectal ______.

mucosa Signup and view all the answers

Rectal administration is beneficial if the patient is already ______.

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Topical application allows for a direct effect on the ______.

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Study Notes

Parenteral Routes Overview

Parenteral routes bypass the digestive system, allowing for direct entry into the systemic circulation; irreversible and may cause pain and risk of infections.
Key types: intravascular, intramuscular, and subcutaneous, each with unique benefits and limitations.

Intravascular (IV) Route

Most common parenteral route; drug is injected directly into a vein.
Advantages:
- Immediate action and precise control of drug levels in circulation.
- Allows administration of large volumes through IV infusion.
Disadvantages:
- Risk of toxicity with rapid administration.
- Only fluid solutions can be used.
- Potential for local venous thrombosis and infection.

Subcutaneous (SC) Route

Drug injected into the tissue just below the skin.
Advantages:
- Provides slow and controlled drug absorption.
- Absorption rate can be modified by manipulating blood flow.
Disadvantages:
- Limited to small volumes per injection.
- Repeated injections may cause lipoatrophy.

Intramuscular (IM) Route

Drug injected into muscle mass.
Advantages:
- Faster absorption compared to subcutaneous injections.
- Absorption rate can be altered by changes in blood flow.
Disadvantages:
- Risks include potential for infection or nerve damage.
- May cause pain at the injection site.

Enteral Routes

Simple and commonly used drug administration methods, primarily through oral intake.
Oral Advantages:
- Self-administered and does not require sterilization.
- Overdoses can often be managed with antidotes.
- Cost-effective relative to parenteral routes.
Oral Disadvantages:
- Ineffective absorption for some medications; first-pass metabolism can greatly reduce efficacy.
- Not suitable for emergencies or individuals unable to swallow.

Sublingual Route

Drug placed under the tongue for direct absorption into the bloodstream.
Advantages:
- Quick absorption; bypasses gastrointestinal metabolism.
- Minimizes risk of local infection.
Disadvantages:
- Drug taste may be unpleasant.
- Not suitable for long-term medication.

Other Administration Routes

Inhalation: Rapid delivery through respiratory tract; effective for respiratory conditions.
Intrathecal: Direct injection into cerebrospinal fluid, useful for central nervous system drugs.
Intracardiac: Emergency injection directly into the heart; used in cardiac arrest.
Topical: Local effects achieved through skin or mucous membrane application; minimizes systemic absorption.
Rectal: Prevents drug degradation in the GI tract; useful when oral intake is not possible, but can irritate the rectal mucosa.

Injection Techniques

Intramuscular: Inject at a 90° angle.
Subcutaneous: Inject at a 45° angle.
Intravenous: Inject at a 26° angle.
Intradermal: Inject at a 10-15° angle.

Description

Explore the major parenteral routes used in medical practice, focusing on intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous methods. Understand the advantages and drawbacks of each route and their implications for drug administration. This quiz will test your knowledge on the parenteral delivery of medications.