Pharmacology: Routes of Drug Administration

What is the primary factor to consider when selecting a route of drug administration?

Why are oral routes not suitable for emergency situations?

What is a limitation of oral drug administration?

What is an advantage of parenteral routes of administration?

Why are some drugs not suitable for oral administration?

What is a limitation of parenteral routes of administration?

What is a factor that affects the quantitative response to a drug?

What is the purpose of recording normal respiration before administering a drug?

What is the difference between the I.P. and I.M. routes of administration?

What is the purpose of administering magnesium sulfate to two rats via different routes?

What is the advantage of using a stomach tube to administer magnesium sulfate orally?

What is the significance of recording the time of administration and the time elapsing between administration and the events of loss of righting reflex, ataxia, and anesthesia?

Routes of Drug Administration

There are different routes by which drugs can be applied or introduced to the body.

Factors Affecting Route of Administration

The drug itself
The state of the patient
Cost of the drug
Site of action of the drug (local or systemic)

Oral Route

Drugs are introduced through the mouth in various dosage forms (solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, cachets, tablets, and capsules)
Not suitable for:
- Emergency situations due to slow onset of action
- Irritant drugs
- Unabsorbable drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides)
- Drugs destroyed by digestive juices (e.g., insulin)
- Drugs with extensive first-pass metabolism (e.g., lignocaine)
- Unconscious patients
- Uncooperative and unreliable patients
- Patients with severe vomiting and diarrhea

Parenteral Route

Faster onset of action, making it suitable for emergency situations
Useful for:
- Unconscious patients
- Uncooperative and unreliable patients
- Patients with vomiting and diarrhea
- Irritant drugs
- Drugs with high first-pass metabolism
- Drugs not absorbed orally
- Drugs destroyed by digestive juices

Disadvantages of Parenteral Route

Expensive
Requires aseptic conditions
Invasive techniques can be painful
Cannot be usually self-administered

Importance of Route of Administration

The quantitative response to a drug depends largely upon its route of administration
The qualitative response to a drug may also be modified by the route of administration

This quiz assesses your understanding of the different routes of drug administration, factors affecting route selection, and how the chosen route affects drug action. It also covers the advantages and disadvantages of each route. Test your knowledge of pharmacology and drug administration!