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.

Test your knowledge on the various routes of drug administration, including enteral, parenteral, topical, and inhalation methods. Understand the definitions, common forms, and factors influencing the selection of each route. Perfect for students in pharmacology or medical courses!