Overview of Drug Administration Routes

Introduction

Drug administration routes refer to the pathways through which medications are delivered into the body to exert their therapeutic effects. These routes are broadly classified into enteral and parenteral categories.

Classification of Drug Administration Routes

Enteral Administration

Enteral drug administration involves delivering medication through the digestive system. This method is convenient and cost-effective.

• Oral Route: The most common route, involving ingestion of tablets, capsules, or liquids.
• Sublingual Route: Medications placed under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
• Rectal Route: Drugs administered via suppositories for systemic or local effects.

Parenteral Administration

Parenteral drug administration bypasses the digestive system, allowing direct delivery into circulation.

• Intravenous (IV): Direct infusion into veins for immediate effects.
• Intramuscular (IM): Injection into muscle tissue for rapid absorption.
• Subcutaneous (SC): Injection under the skin for slow and sustained drug release.

Conclusion

The choice of drug administration route depends on factors like drug properties, patient condition, and desired therapeutic outcome.