Routes of drug administration Flashcards
enteral routes of administration? (4)
oral (systemic/local effect)
sublingual (under tongue-absorption into mucous membranes)
Rectal (suppository, enema, rectal tube)
Buccal (absorption across mucous membrane of cheek)
parenteral routes of administration
Inhalational
transdermal
injection (main are intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular)
local routes of administration
skin topical
ocular drops
mucosal - throat, vagina, mouth, ear
intranasal
Inhalational (inhalers, aerosols, nebulisers, gaseous anaesthetics)
transdermal (patches, creams, gels, powders)
what is the most common route of drug administration?
oral route
advantages of oral route
preferred - simplest safest good absorption cheap portable
disadvantages of oral route
reduced bioavailability
delayed onset of action
absorption can be affected by stomach contents and pH
unsuitable in patients who are NBM (uncooperative)
advantages of sublingual
quick absorption and onset of action
avoids the first pass effect
can remove it if necessary
disadvantages of sublingual
short duration of action
if have a spray it can’t be removed
unpleasant taste
Advantages of buccal route?
quick absorption and onset of action avoids first pass effect given to unconscious patients can remove if necessary longer duration of action compared to sublingual
what route can be given to unconscious patients?
buccal, rectal
disadvantages of buccal route
unpleasant taste
in the event of a facial - what route should be avoided?
buccal route
advantages of the rectal route
useful if the patient is vomiting or has dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
in seizures
children
unconscious patients
RAPID absorption of some drugs
useful if the particular drug causes GI irritation
disadvantages of rectal
erratic, irregular and unpredictable absorption of some drugs - dosage form may be eliminated before absorption is complete
advantages and disadvantages of the vaginal route (enteral)
pessaries, creams, tablets, capsules, solutions, spray
Advantage - local administration
Disadvantage - less favoured by some
advantages of subcutaneous route (under skin)
easier access than intravenous (IV)
slow uniform absorption
rate of absorption can be controlled
least painful type of injection
what is the least painful type of injection?
subcutaneous
disadvantages of subcutaneous
risk of infection
slow absorption
less predictable than intramuscular
limited volume can be administered
advantages and disadvantages of intramuscular
good- easier access than IV Bad - painful, risk of infection only a limited volume can be administered slow, erratic absorption avoid in children& coagulopathy
what is the fastest route of injection?
intravenous (IV)
advantages of intravenous
immediate delivery
100% bioavailability
large volumes can be administered
rapid dilution
DISadvantages of intravenous
painful acute overdose is possible risk of infection patient is more dependent and has reduced mobility cannot remove it once its given expensive
general disadvantages of injections?
risk of infection
most are painful
cannot remove it once its given
what is intra-articular route and advantages/disadvantages?
injection into a joint
Good - local action
Bad - painful, limited volumes administered.
if administered incorrectly- it can damage the cartilage
