Pharmacology: Drug Administration Routes

Taking medication by mouth, the most common and convenient route for drug administration. This includes tablets, capsules, syrups or suspensions.

A drug administration route where the drug is placed under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.

A method of drug administration where the medication is inserted into the rectum and absorbed into the bloodstream.

Administration of a drug through the skin, where it is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream over time.

The specific method used to deliver a medication into the body, each route has its own advantages and disadvantages.

A method of drug administration where the medicine is applied directly to the skin, allowing it to be slowly absorbed into the bloodstream.

A type of drug administration that involves injecting medication into the space around the spinal cord, primarily used for pain relief and some chemotherapy treatments.

Administration of drugs through the mouth, typically in pill or liquid form.

The process of medication being broken down by the liver before reaching the bloodstream.

A type of drug administration where medication is placed under the tongue for quicker absorption into the bloodstream.

Methods of drug administration that deliver medication directly to the target site, leading to localized effects.

A type of drug administration where medication is injected into the space surrounding the spinal cord, primarily used for pain relief and nerve blocks.

A route of drug administration that involves inserting medication directly into the rectum.

The intravenous (IV) route is the fastest and most direct way to deliver medication into the bloodstream. It allows for rapid action and is ideal for emergency situations, unconscious patients, or those with vomiting or diarrhea. It also bypasses the first-pass metabolism, ensuring the maximum amount of medication reaches the target site.

Intramuscular (IM) injections deliver medication into a muscle, providing a slightly slower absorption rate than IV but still faster than oral administration. It is suitable for larger volumes of medication and some oil-based medications.

Subcutaneous (SC) injections deliver medication into the fatty layer beneath the skin, offering a slower absorption rate than IV or IM. This route is suitable for smaller volumes of medication, such as insulin or vaccines.

Topical administration involves applying medication directly to the skin or mucous membranes, allowing for localized effects.

Transdermal administration involves applying a patch to the skin, allowing for a controlled and sustained release of medication over a longer period

Inhalation administration delivers medications in the form of gases or aerosolized particles, allowing for rapid absorption through the lungs. It is ideal for delivering medications directly to the respiratory system.

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) is the process by which a drug is processed by the body. It starts with absorption, which is the way the drug enters the body and reaches the bloodstream. Then, distribution happens, which is the transportation of the drug to different parts of the body. The third stage is metabolism, the breakdown of the drug by liver enzymes. Finally, excretion eliminates the drug metabolites or the original drug from the body through various routes.

The effect of a drug on the body, known as pharmacodynamics, depends on how it interacts with its target site. The drug must reach the target site to induce its intended effect. The target site is the location where the drug binds to and interacts with receptors, enzymes, or other biological molecules to produce its desired action.

The percentage of an orally administered drug that reaches systemic circulation unchanged.

The movement of a drug between the bloodstream and tissues. It's influenced by factors like lipid solubility, blood flow to organs, and plasma protein binding.

The ability of a drug to dissolve in fats or lipids. This affects how easily a drug can cross cell membranes and reach different tissues.

The amount of blood that flows to different organs. It determines how much drug reaches a specific tissue.

The binding of a drug to proteins in the blood plasma. This can limit the amount of free drug available to reach tissues.

The fraction of the administered dose that reaches the systemic circulation as an unchanged drug.

The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream after administration.

The breakdown of a drug in the body, particularly by enzymes in the liver.

Enzymes primarily found in the liver that are responsible for metabolizing drugs.

A drug that has a low bioavailability may require a higher dose to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

The pH of the environment can influence the absorption of a drug by affecting its ionization state and permeability through membranes.

The surface area of the absorbing site plays a crucial role in drug absorption, with larger surface areas leading to greater absorption.

A situation where a drug's concentration in the body becomes higher than expected, potentially leading to adverse or toxic effects. This can occur due to factors like drug interactions, impaired liver function, or grapefruit juice consumption.

A type of drug interaction where one drug increases the concentration of another drug in the body. This can happen when the first drug inhibits the metabolism of the second drug, leading to a higher and potentially harmful drug level.

A type of drug interaction where one drug increases the concentration of another drug in the body by inhibiting the CYP450 3A enzyme in the liver. This enzyme is responsible for metabolizing many drugs, and its inhibition leads to higher drug levels.

The process of adding glucuronic acid to a drug molecule, making it more water soluble. This usually inactivates the drug and prepares it for excretion from the body.

A phase of drug metabolism where the drug molecule is modified, often making it more water soluble. This phase typically involves enzymes like cytochrome P450.

The process by which drugs are filtered and removed from the body, primarily through the kidneys. This process is influenced by factors like renal blood flow, protein binding, and urine pH.

A state where the kidneys are not functioning properly, leading to a build-up of waste products and drugs in the body. This can affect drug elimination and potentially lead to drug toxicity.

The study of how drugs move through the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Understanding pharmacokinetics is crucial for optimizing drug dosing and ensuring therapeutic effectiveness.