Routes of Drug Administration Quiz

Route of Administration

1. Definition

   • The method by which a drug is delivered into the body for therapeutic effect.

2. Types of Routes

   • Enteral

     • Involves the gastrointestinal tract.
     • Common forms:
       • Oral (PO)
       • Sublingual (under the tongue)
       • Buccal (between gums and cheek)
       • Rectal (via rectum)

   • Parenteral

     • Bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
     • Common forms:
       • Intravenous (IV)
       • Intramuscular (IM)
       • Subcutaneous (SC)
       • Intradermal (ID)
       • Intrathecal (within the spinal canal)

   • Topical

     • Applied directly to body surfaces.
     • Examples:
       • Creams
       • Ointments
       • Patches
       • Eye drops
       • Nasal sprays

   • Inhalation

     • Delivered through the respiratory tract.
     • Examples:
       • Nebulizers
       • Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs)
       • Dry powder inhalers (DPIs)

3. Factors Influencing Route Selection

   • Absorption Rate
     • Fastest with IV, slower with oral.
   • Onset of Action
     • Immediate with IV, delayed with oral.
   • Patient Factors
     • Ability to swallow, conscious state, age, and preference.
   • Drug Properties
     • Solubility, stability, and formulation.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages

   • Oral

     • Advantages: Convenient, non-invasive.
     • Disadvantages: Variable absorption, first-pass metabolism.

   • IV

     • Advantages: Rapid onset, precise control.
     • Disadvantages: Invasive, risk of infection.

   • Topical

     • Advantages: Local effects, minimal systemic absorption.
     • Disadvantages: Limited to superficial conditions.

   • Inhalation

     • Advantages: Fast absorption, direct delivery to lungs.
     • Disadvantages: Technical skill may be required.

5. Considerations

   • Patient compliance and convenience.
   • Potential side effects and systemic exposure.
   • Drug formulation suitability for different routes.

Route of Administration

• The way a drug is delivered into the body for therapeutic effect.

Types of Routes

• Enteral routes involve the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Oral (PO): Taken by mouth.
  • Sublingual: Placed under the tongue.
  • Buccal: Placed between gums and cheek.
  • Rectal: Administered via the rectum.

• Parenteral routes bypass the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Intravenous (IV): Injected directly into a vein.
  • Intramuscular (IM): Injected into a muscle.
  • Subcutaneous (SC): Injected under the skin.
  • Intradermal (ID): Injected into the skin.
  • Intrathecal: Injected into the spinal canal.

• Topical routes apply directly to body surfaces.

  • Creams, ointments, patches, eye drops, nasal sprays.

• Inhalation routes deliver drugs through the respiratory tract.

  • Nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs).

Factors Influencing Route Selection

• Absorption Rate: Fastest with IV, slower with oral.
• Onset of Action: Immediate with IV, delayed with oral.
• Patient Factors: Ability to swallow, conscious state, age, and preference.
• Drug Properties: Solubility, stability, and formulation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Oral: Convenient, non-invasive. Disadvantages: Variable absorption, first-pass metabolism.
• IV: Rapid onset, precise control. Disadvantages: Invasive, risk of infection.
• Topical: Local effects, minimal systemic absorption. Disadvantages: Limited to superficial conditions.
• Inhalation: Fast absorption, direct delivery to lungs. Disadvantages: Technical skill may be required.

Considerations

• Patient compliance and convenience.
• Potential side effects and systemic exposure.
• Drug formulation suitability for different routes.