Routes of Administration Flashcards
What factors determine the route of administration?
- Chemical and physical properties of the drug.
- Form the drug is available in.
- Condition for which the animal is being treated.
- Behavioural and/or physiological characteristics of the animal being treated.
What are the 3 main routes of administration?
Oral, Topical, Parenterally
What are the 11 parenteral routes?
Subcutaneous (SQ/SC), Intramuscular (IM), Intravenous (IV), Intra-articular (IA), Intra-peritoneal (IP), Intracardiac (IC), Intradermal (ID), Subconjunctival, Intra-arterial, Intramedullary, Epidural, Inhalation
Slower absorption. Cannot be used to administer irritating or hyperosmotic drugs
Subcutaneous
Usually a more rapid rate of absorption than SQ, but not as fast as IV. Common route for many drugs (vaccines, antibiotics, NSAIDs).
Intramuscular
Drug injected directly into a vein. Immediate drug availability. Preferred route for large volumes of fluid (e.g. for dehydrated animals). Can give irritating drugs (e.g. Pentothal, Dextrose, Phenylbutazone). Rate of injection important - rapid can induce toxic/ allergic reaction.
Intravenous
Inject into a joint (e.g. local anesthetic, hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids). Absolute sterility a must.
Intra-articular
Injection into the abdominal cavity. Can be used for fluids or euthanasia solutions in pocket pets and small birds.
Intra-peritoneal
Used for Euthanasia
Intracardiac
Allergy testing.
Intradermal
To treat certain eye conditions.
Subconjunctival
A potential hazard of jugular intravenous injections is the accidental administration of the drug into the carotid artery, resulting in seizures and/or death of the animal.
Intra-arterial
This route can also be used as an emergency procedure to deliver blood and/or fluids to small, severely dehydrated animals.
Intramedullary
Injection into the epidural space between caudal vertebrae.
Epidural
Drugs in a gaseous form delivered to the patient in inspired air
Inhalation
