Routes Flashcards
Oral (PO)
Examples: Tablets, capsules, liquids
Swallowed and absorbed in the GI tract
Advantages: Convenient, cost effective, safer
Disadvantages: Slower absorption, first-pass metabolism (drug breakdown in the liver before reaching circulaton)
Sublingual (SL) / Buccal
Examples: Nitroglycerin (for angina) buprenorphine, sometimes famotodine
Placed under tongue (SL) or in the cheek (buccal) for direct absorption into the bloodstream
Advantages: Fast absorption, bypasses the liver
Disadvantages: Limited drug selection, not suitable for all patients
Rectal (PR)
Examples: Suppositories, enemas
Inserted into the rectum for absorption
Advantages: Useful if patient is vomiting or unconsious
Disadvantages: Uncomfortable, inconsistant absorption
Intravenous (IV)
Example: IV fluids, antibiotics, chemotherapy
injected directly into the bloodstream
Advantages: immediate effect, 100% bioavaillability
Disadvantages: Risk of infection, requires professional administration
Intramuscular
Examples: Vaccines, epinephrine, some antibiotics
injected into the muscle for gradual absorption
Advantages: Faster than oral but slower than IV, longer lasting effects
Disadvantages: Painful, risk of nerve damage
Subcutaneous (SC or SQ)
Examples: Insulin, heparin, some vaccines
Injected under the skin into fatty tissue
Advantages: Slower, sustained release
Disadvantages: Limited drug volume, potential for irritation
Intradermal
Examples: Tuberculosis (TB) test, allergy testing
Injected just under the skin
Advantages: Precise controlled absorption
Disadvantages: Only small amounts can be administered
Dermal (Skin Application)
Examples: Nicotine patches, hydrocortisone cream
Creams, ointments, patches
Advantages: Localized effects, painless
Disadvantages: Slow absorption, not suitable for systemic effects
Transdermal (Through the Skin into the Bloodstream)
Examples: Fentanyl patches, contraceptive patches
Patches that release medication over times
Advantages: Continuous drug release
Disadvantage: Can cause skin irritation
Opthalmic (Eye Drops/ Ointments)
Examples: Artificial tears, antibiotic drops
Administered directly into the eye
Advantages: Direct treatment for eye conditions
Disadvantages: May cause temporary discomfort
Otic (ear drops)
Examples: Antibiotic ear drops, earwax softeners
Applied into the ear canal
Advantages: Targeted treatment
Disadvantage: Limited to ear conditions
Nasal (Nasal Sprays/Drops)
Examples: Decongestants, naloxone (for opioid overdose)
Absorbed through nasal mucosa
Advantages: Fast absorption into the bloodstream
Disadvantage: Can cause nasal irritation
Inhalation (through the lungs)
Example: Asthma inhalers (albuterol), general anesthesia
Medication is inhaled into the repiratory system
Advantages: Rapid onset, direct action in the lungs
Disadvantages: Requires proper technique
