Routes Of Drug Administration

Question 1

Pros and cons of Intravenous (IV) administration

Answer 1

Pros: 100% bioavailability and rapid attainment, precise delivery of dosage, easy titration

Cons: high initial toxicity, invasive: increased risk of infection, requires skilled training.

Question 2

Subcutaneous (SQ)

Answer 2

Pros: Prompt absorption, little training, improved bioavailability, can be used for suspensions

Cons: cannot be used for large volumes, potential pain and local reactions, variable absorption

Question 3

What are the parental methods of drug administration?

Answer 3

Intravenous and Subcutaneous

Question 4

What are the enteral methods of drug administration?

Answer 4

Oral, Sublingual, Inhalation, Topical

Question 5

Oral

Answer 5

Pros: convenient, economical, noninvasive, requires no training.

Cons: Delivery can be erratic, incomplete depending on adherence, bioavailability and first pass effect.

Question 6

Sublingual

Answer 6

Pro: Rapid onset, avoids first pass metabolism
Cons: few drugs adequately absorbed, patients must avoid swallowing