Routes of administration and dosage forms Flashcards
How can we deliver drugs to the body?
-oral: swallowed
-sublingual/buccal
-topical
-transdermal
-rectal
-vaginal
-inhalation
-IV
-IM
-SubQ
Why are there different forms of drug delivery to the body?
-drug properties
-onset of action
-patient acceptance
-ease of use
-cost
What route of administration is convenient and often the cheapest?
oral (po) - swallowed
What are the absorption characteristics of the oral route?
-slow absorption
-absorption primarily occurs in intestines
-subject to first-pass effect
-gastric emptying and GI motility important
What can be added or medications taken orally to protect the stomach and the drug?
a coating
What is the first-pass effect?
medication goes into liver where it is metabolized and broken down some before it enters blood stream–less % goes into bloodstream than what initially went in
What are the different formulations of substances that can be taken via the oral route?
-tablets
-capsules (soft gel caps/hard caps)
-ODT (orally dissolving tablet)
-liquids
-lozenges
What are the different types of liquids that can be taken via the oral route?
-suspensions
-elixirs
-syrups
-solutions
What type of liquid is created when a powder and liquid are mixed together?
suspension
What type of liquid contains alcohol and usually isn’t given to kids?
elixirs
What type of liquid is heavily sugared?
syrups
What type of liquid is when a liquid is added to powder to create a substance that doesn’t separate?
solution
What type of route of administration can a drug be taken that has a delayed ore extended release?
oral (po)
What are the characteristics of delayed/extended release substances?
-slow, uniform absorption over an extended period of time
What are delayed/extended release substances great for?
drugs that have a short half-life
What are the advantages of delayed/extended release medications?
-improved compliance
-lower peak levels = less side effects
What are the disadvantages of delayed/extended release medications?
-dosage from failure/dumping
-inappropriate administration (cutting/crushing)
-cost
What is the route of administration where the drug is placed under the tongue (SL) or between the cheek/lip and gums?
sublingual (SL) and buccal
What does the sublingual (SL) and buccal route of administration avoid?
first-pass effect; direct absorption to systemic venous circulation
What type of onset do sublingual (SL) and buccal drugs have?
quick onset
What is the route of administration where the drug is applied to the skin or mucous membrane (eye, ear, nose, throat, vagina)?
topical
What are topical medications used for?
local effect
What are generally not a concern for topical medications?
systemic effects
What is the route of administration where the drug is applied topically and is intended to produce a systemic effect?
transdermal
What does transdermal route of administration avoid?
first-pass effect
What are the considerations when it comes to using transdermal medications?
-skin is tough to penetrate-absorption will be slow
-drug must reach capillary bed to be effective systemically
-degree of absorption depends on lipophilicity of drug, surface area exposed, presence of abrasion, occlusion, vehicle
What type of route of administration has a partial, not full, avoidance of first-pass effect?
rectal (pr)
When medications are taken rectally, the absorption is often what?
incomplete or irregular
Rectally administered medications may be what?
systemic or local
Rectally administered medications would be good for who?
sometimes kids, people who can’t swallow, someone throwing up, someone in a coma
What does the vaginal route of administration avoid?
first-pass effect
What becomes problematic when taking medications vaginally?
retaining dosage forms due to vaginal fluid clearance
Why are some medications given vaginally?
it has good blood supply and surface area