Pharmacy Chapter 5: Routes of Drug Administration

Disadvantages of Intravenous Administration

• Low safety due to risk of allergy or anaphylactic shock
• Sterility is crucial to prevent pyrogenic reaction
• Risk of spreading infection, including viral hepatitis
• Requires a professional person for administration
• Not suitable for oily and suspended drugs

Intramuscular Injection

• Suitable for solutions, suspensions, and oily drugs
• Offers better absorption than subcutaneous, but less than intravenous

Subcutaneous Injection

• Absorption rate is slower than IV and IM
• Suitable for non-irritant drugs in aqueous solution or fine suspension

Intradermal Injection

• Used for sensitive tests

Other Injection Routes

• Intra-cardiac injection
• Intrathecal injection
• Intra-bone marrow injection
• Intra-peritoneal injection

Mucosal Route

• Buccal or sublingual administration for systemic delivery of drugs
• Ocular administration for local delivery of drugs
• Vaginal, nasal, and rectal administration for systemic or local delivery of drugs

Inhalation

• Systemic delivery of drugs through high blood supply and wide surface area
• High bioavailability due to rapid absorption
• Many drugs can cause lung irritation as a side effect

Topical Route

• Local effect, but high lipid soluble drugs can be absorbed
• Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) enhances skin absorption, e.g., skin patches of nicotine

This quiz covers the different routes of drug administration, including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injections. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each method, including safety concerns, absorption rates, and suitability for different types of drugs.