Administration routes

Question 1

Name some oral formulations

Answer 1

Tablets, liquids, capsules, granules, suspension, emulsion and solutions

Question 2

What are the advantages of oral formulations?

Answer 2

• convenient and easy for owners

- no need for hospitalisation

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of oral formulations?

Answer 3

• slow absorption and distribution
• unsuitable if the patient is vomiting, unconscious or ‘difficult’
• risk of aspiration pneumonia
• some tablets irritate the oesophagus

Question 4

How are oral drugs administrated for equine patients?

Answer 4

Mix it into food, nasogastric tube or syringe feed

Question 5

What are the advantages of subcuatneous administration?

Answer 5

• pain free (drug dependant)

- large volumes can be injected

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of subcutaneous administration?

Answer 6

• absorption takes aprox 30mins due to the lack of large blood vessels- further delayed in shocked patients due to vasoconstriction
• local reactions can occur
• damage to mall blood vessels

Question 7

Which muscles are commonly used to administrate intramuscular drugs in dogs and cats?

Answer 7

Quadriceps, triceps, neck and paralumbar area

Question 8

Which muscles are commonly used to administrate intramuscular drugs in horses?

Answer 8

Gluteals and Quadriceps

Question 9

What are the advantages of intramuscular administration?

Answer 9

• drugs in suspension can be given

- drugs are rapidly absorbed (20mins)

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of intramuscular administration?

Answer 10

• only small volumes can be administrated
• painful
• accidental IV injection possible

Question 11

Which veins are most commonly used for IV administration in dogs, cats and horses?

Answer 11

dogs- cephalic, jugular, lateral saphaneous
cats- jugular and cephalic
horse- jugular or lateral thoracic

Question 12

What are the advantages of Intravenous administration?

Answer 12

• drug is administrated directly into the bloodstream meaning rapid onset
• drugs that are irritant to tissues can be administrated

Question 13

What are the disadvantages of Intravenous administration?

Answer 13

• aeseptic technique required due to infection risk
• drug must be in solution form
• injections must be given slowly
• IV cannula requires maintenance
• accidental administration of irritant drug may cause tissue damage

Question 14

What considerations should be implicated during topical administration?

Answer 14

• Gloves should be worn
• restraint
• monitor for signs of swelling, irritation or trauma
• clean the external ear canal before application
• do not touch the surface of the eye with the nozzle of medication tube

Question 15

What is rectal administration used for?

Answer 15

Enemas and anticonvulsants

Question 16

What is intraosseous administration and when is it used?

Answer 16

injection into the bone marrow for when IV is compromised. Often used in small mammals, birds and reptiles.

Question 17

What is an epidural and when is it used?

Answer 17

injection into the vertebral canal just outside of the dura mater for long lasting local anaesthesia and analgesia

Question 18

What is intradermal administration and when is it used?

Answer 18

injection into the dermis for allergy testing or vaccinations

Question 19

What is intrathecal administration and when is it used?

Answer 19

Injection into the subarachnoid space which contains CSF for long lasting anaesthesia and analgesia

Question 20

What is intra-articular administration and when is it used?

Answer 20

Administrating drugs straight into the joint cavity for joint disease in horses

Question 21

What is intraperitoneal administration and when is it used?

Answer 21

Administrating drugs into the peritoneal cavity when IV is compromised

Question 22

What is nebulization and when is it used?

Answer 22

Liquid medication converted into a fine mist or spray for the treatment of respiratory disorders

Question 23

What is inhalation administration and when is it used?

Answer 23

Drugs are mixed with air or gas and passed through the nose or mouth to the lungs where they are absorbed through a membrane. Volatile anaesthetics or inhalers for respiratory diseases.