Routes of Drug Administration

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant disadvantage of ophthalmic dosage forms?

They can be administered less frequently.

They require a lower dose compared to oral routes.

They are prone to excessive loss requiring frequent administration. (correct)

They are more difficult to prepare than oral dosage forms.

Which of the following is a key advantage of the sublingual route?

Allows for larger doses of less potent drugs.

Avoidance of first-pass effect and rapid absorption. (correct)

Slower onset of action than oral administration.

Lower efficacy compared to intravenous administration.

What is the primary purpose of using prodrugs in pharmacology?

To ensure immediate release of active pharmacological agents.

To create drugs that do not require activation.

To modify drug absorption and improve stability. (correct)

To eliminate the need for any enzymatic processes.

Which factor does NOT need to be considered when determining drug dosage?

Customer's preference for medication type. Signup and view all the answers

For which patient population might drug dosage require adjustment?

Neonates with immature liver and renal functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of using the intravenous route for drug administration?

It is suitable for emergency situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the intravenous route?

It is non-convenient for children. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of subcutaneous injections?

They are administered into the loose subcutaneous tissue. Signup and view all the answers

How do topical routes differ from transdermal routes in drug delivery?

Topical routes usually target local actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of drug formulation is hydrophilic and not greasy?

Creams Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of delivering drugs via the respiratory route?

Lungs have a high surface area for drug absorption. Signup and view all the answers

Why are intravenous drug products required to be sterile?

To prevent infections. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an ophthalmic route application?

Eye drops for local action. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of the oral route of drug administration?

It has a slow onset of action Signup and view all the answers

Which dosage form taken by the oral route typically has the fastest onset of action?

Solution Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage of the rectal route of drug administration?

Absorption can be irregular Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes parenteral drug administration?

It occurs elsewhere in the body than the alimentary canal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following routes is likely to provide the quickest delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to systemic circulation?

Sublingual route Signup and view all the answers

Why is insulin not administered orally?

It is destroyed by enzymes and HCL in the stomach Signup and view all the answers

Which parenteral route is administered directly into the muscle?

Intramuscular route Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the oral route of drug administration?

Absorption can be delayed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Routes of Drug Administration

Oral Route: Most common, systemic effects, sometimes for local action in the gastrointestinal tract. Dissolves before absorption.
- Advantages: Simple, convenient, and safe.
- Disadvantages: Slow onset, drugs can be destroyed by enzymes and stomach acid.
- Examples: Insulin and Penicillin G cannot be taken orally.
- Dosage Forms: Tablets, capsules, solutions, suspensions, and elixirs.
- Onset of Action: Solutions > suspensions > capsules > tablets
Rectal Route: For both local and systemic effects.
- Advantages: Can be used when a patient is vomiting or unconscious. Avoids GIT destruction of drugs.
- Disadvantages: Inconvenient, variable systemic drug effect due to irregular absorption.
- Examples: Solid - suppository, Liquids - solutions, emulsions using enemas.
Parenteral Route: Administration outside the mouth and alimentary canal.
- Advantages: Faster onset, suitable for emergencies, minimum dose required, best option for drugs destroyed in the GIT.
- Disadvantages: Painful, inconvenient for children, requires trained personnel, requires sterility.
- Three Main Routes: Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Intravenous.
- Subcutaneous (SC): Into the subcutaneous tissue. Example: Insulin.
- Intramuscular (IM): Into muscle.
  - Immediate Effect: Aqueous solutions.
  - Sustained Effect: Oily solutions and suspensions.
- Intravenous (IV): Directly into a vein.
  - Fastest Effect: Compared to SC and IM.
  - Dosage Form: Only Aqueous Solutions.
Topical Route: Applied to the skin for localized action.
- Examples: Ointments, creams, pastes, gels.
- Nature: Ointments - Hydrophobic or oleaginous, Creams - Hydrophilic.
Transdermal Route: Applied to the skin for systemic action.
- Examples: Nicotine patches, Nitroglycerin patches.
Respiratory Route: Lungs are an excellent route due to high surface area.
- Drug Delivery: Gaseous and aerosol mist.
- Particle Size: Determines the extent of penetration into the lungs. Smaller particles penetrate deeper.
- Example: Treatment of bronchial asthma.
Ophthalmic Route: A type of topical route used for local action.
- Dosage Forms: Must be sterile and isotonic.
- Advantages: Avoids GIT inactivation, superior local effect.
- Disadvantages: Requires frequent administration, adherence is difficult.
Sublingual Route: Dosage form placed under the tongue. Rich blood supply leads to better absorption.
- Advantages: Fast onset (similar to IV), avoids liver destruction of drugs (first pass metabolism).
- Disadvantages: Suitable for low-dose potent drugs, tablets can be easily broken.

Prodrugs

A compound that requires enzymatic conversion to be an active drug.
Example: Olsalazine (prodrug) is converted to 5 aminosalicylic acid (active drug).
Used for:
- Modifying absorption
- Increasing solubility
- Improving stability

Factors Affecting Drug Dosage

Drug Dose: Lowest amount needed for therapeutic effect without safety concerns.
- Factors:
  - Age: Neonates need dose adjustment due to immature liver and kidney function.
  - Body Weight: Heavier patients need higher doses.
  - Body Surface Area: Taller patients need higher doses.

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Description

Explore the various routes of drug administration including oral, rectal, and parenteral methods. Learn about the advantages, disadvantages, and dosage forms associated with each route. This quiz will enhance your understanding of how different administration methods impact drug efficacy and patient care.