Routes of Drug Administration

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of systemic administration?

Drug must be injected directly into the muscle.

Drug is used primarily for local effects with minimal side effects.

Drug enters the bloodstream, affecting the entire body. (correct)

Drug is applied directly to the affected area.

Which of the following is NOT an enteral route of drug administration?

Sublingual

Intranasal (correct)

Oral

Buccal

What is an advantage of the oral route of drug administration?

Is a safe and convenient method for self-administration. (correct)

Provides the fastest onset of action.

Requires professional administration.

Completely avoids gastrointestinal absorption.

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

Slower onset of action compared to other routes. Signup and view all the answers

Which route involves the drug being absorbed primarily through the small intestine?

Oral Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is an example of the sublingual route?

Glyceryl trinitrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a retention enema?

Stimulation of bowel movement Signup and view all the answers

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

Irregular and unpredictable absorption Signup and view all the answers

What type of drug can be classified as a systemic effect administered rectally?

Cetal suppositories Signup and view all the answers

Why is the rectal route preferred for certain drugs?

Drugs are not affected by digestive enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with acidity sensitive drugs concerning absorption?

Absorption is slower when milk products are consumed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome of first-pass metabolism?

Drug gets metabolized before reaching systemic circulation. Signup and view all the answers

Which route allows for rapid drug absorption into the bloodstream while bypassing the digestive system?

Sublingual route Signup and view all the answers

What can be a significant disadvantage of using the sublingual route?

It causes irritation of the mucous membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What issue might arise when administering drugs using the buccal route?

Saliva production could be excessive. Signup and view all the answers

Why might people with difficulty swallowing prefer sublingual medications?

They dissolve more easily under the tongue. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the size of drugs that can be delivered via the sublingual route?

Only small and potent drugs can be delivered. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of drug administration through emesis and diarrhea?

Decreased drug concentration in systemic circulation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Routes of Drug Administration

Systemic administration: Drugs enter the bloodstream, distributed throughout the body, producing systemic effects.
Local administration: Drugs are applied to the site where the desired effect is needed, causing minimal side effects.

Classification of Routes

Systemic:
- Enteral: Drugs are administered via the gastrointestinal tract.
  - Oral (e.g., tablets, capsules, liquids)
  - Sublingual (under the tongue)
  - Buccal (between the cheek and gum)
  - Rectal (rectum)
- Parenteral: Drugs are administered by injection.
  - Inhalation (e.g., aerosol)
  - Intranasal
  - Transdermal
  - Injection
  - Inhalational
  - Skin topical
  - Eye drops
  - Others

Oral Route

Advantages:
- Common method
- Safe, convenient, and painless
- Convenient, self-administration
- Relatively inexpensive
Disadvantages:
- Slower onset of action
- Affected by food presence in the GI tract.
- Certain drugs are acid-sensitive (e.g., penicillin G)
- Some drugs cause issues for unconscious or uncooperative patients (e.g., nausea).
- First-pass metabolism: Drug metabolized by liver before reaching systemic circulation, reducing concentration.
- Can be affected by bad taste, or smell in some cases.

First-Pass Effect

Drugs that are absorbed from the GI tract are metabolized by the liver or other organs in the body before reaching systemic circulation.
This process reduces the concentration of the active drug in the body.

Sublingual and Buccal Routes

Sublingual: Drug administered under the tongue
- Advantages: Rapid onset, avoids the digestive system, first-pass effect bypassed.
- Disadvantages: Unpleasant taste or odor.
Buccal: Drug is placed between the gum and cheek.
- Advantages: similar to sublingual
- Disadvantages: similar to sublingual, also saliva production may be affected.

Rectal Route

Method: Administering drugs into the rectum (e.g., suppositories, enemas)
Advantages: Useful for unconscious or uncooperative patients, drugs not destroyed by enzymes in the stomach, preferred when gastric irritation occurs
Disadvantages: Possible rectal inflammation from irritation, irregular/unpredictable absorption.

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Description

This quiz covers the various routes of drug administration, focusing on systemic and local methods. You will learn about enteral and parenteral classifications, along with the advantages and disadvantages of the oral route. Test your knowledge on how drugs are administered and their effects.