Different Routes Of Drug Administration

Question 1

Buccal

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 1

Inside of mouth

Examples include- tablets

A- suitable in unconscious patients, useful as anti-sickness preparations as drug not swallowed
D- limited medication choice

Question 2

Nasal

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 2

Into the nose

Examples include- nasal spray

A- avoids first pass effect(doesn’t get absorbed by GI Tract)
D- limited choice of medication

Question 3

Eye

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 3

Into the eye

Examples include- drops, ointment

A- local effect
D- unpleasant to use

Question 4

Ear

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 4

Into the ear

Examples include- drops, spray

A- local effect
D- can sting, some contain peanut oil (problem with allergies)

Question 5

Rectal

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 5

Into the rectum

Examples include- suppositories, creams, ointments

A-useful in drugs that cause gastro-irritation
D-unpleasant route, social stigma

Question 6

Vaginal

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 6

Into the vagina

Examples include- pessaries, creams

A- avoids first pass effect
D- unpleasant route, can be messy, social stigma

Question 7

Sublingual

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 7

Under the tongue

Examples include- spray

A- very fast onset, easy to use
D- short actioned

Question 8

Inhalation

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 8

To the lungs

Examples include- inhalers, nebulisers

A- fast onset, delivered to site of action,reduction in side effect
D- limited drug choice, technique poor

Question 9

Topical

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 9

To the skin

Examples include- creams, ointments, lotions

A-local effect, avoids first pass effect
D- slower onset of action, messy

Question 10

Parenteral

(List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 10

Intravenous - to the veins
Subcutaneous - under the skin (vaccines)
Intramuscular - into the muscles (antibiotic inj)
Intraspinal - into the spine (cancer drugs)

A-quick onset, drug delivered to target area
D- can be painful, phobia to needles, easier to give overdose

Question 11

Oral

List type of medication, advantages/disadvantages

Answer 11

To swallow

Examples include- tablets, capsules, liquids

A- self administration, easy to use
D- slow onset of action, irregular absorption, influenced by food/stomach contents