Routes of Administration

There are several routes of administration for drugs e.g.

Oral

Oral administration is very frequently used because it is easy for the patient to take and there is no pain involved

Buccal and sublingual could also be classed as oral as the drugs enter the mouth, however they are not swallowed.

Buccal tablets are dissolved under the lip; there is a good blood supply here so absorption is fast.

Sub-lingual tablets are dissolved under the tongue, there is also a good blood supply here, so like buccal, it is absorbed into the blood very quickly.

Both buccal and sub-lingual tablets have a rapid absorption rate, they are both easy to take and there is no loss of drug by first pass with any of them.

Rectal

Rectal administration is usually used for a local effect on that area. This is a useful route of administration for patients who are unable to swallow or unconscious. This route of administration gives a reduced first pass effect.

Topical

Topical medications such as creams and ointments have a local effect, they are easy to apply and are applied externally, usually on top of the skin however topical medication also covers eye drops ear drops and inhaled meds.

Inhaled

Inhalation is a type of topical administration, this type of administration is fast acting and the patient can regulate the amount of the drug received, this type of administration is particularly useful with relieving inhalers for example, as the drug is dispersed directly towards the area and acts quickly, giving relief to a patient who is finding it hard to breathe.

IV

IV meds are a very rapid way of giving meds; they work within 15-30 seconds and are very useful for delivering continuous medication such as morphine.

Intramuscular

Intramuscular injections are usually administered in small amounts; they can be absorbed gradually