NAME : Vincent Jay Gamboa

SEMESTER : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : Foundations
 
 

Understanding the Different Routes of Drug Administration

I. Introduction

Routes of drug administration refer to the different ways in which drugs can be delivered into the
body. Understanding the various routes of administration is essential for healthcare
professionals, as it affects the efficacy and safety of drug therapy. The route of administration
determines how quickly and to what extent the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and
excreted. This lecture note will provide an overview of the different routes of drug
administration, their advantages and disadvantages, and the factors that affect drug absorption.

II. Enteral Routes

The enteral route of administration involves delivering drugs through the gastrointestinal tract.
The most common enteral route is oral administration, where drugs are taken by mouth and
swallowed. Sublingual and buccal administration involves placing the drug under the tongue or
against the cheek, respectively, where it is absorbed through the oral mucosa. Rectal
administration is another enteral route, where drugs are delivered through the rectum, either as
suppositories or enemas.

Advantages of enteral routes of administration include ease of administration, convenience, and

low cost. However, drug absorption can be affected by gastrointestinal factors such as pH,
motility, and the presence of food or other drugs.

Overall, the enteral route is ideal for drugs that can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract
and are not susceptible to degradation in the acidic environment of the stomach.

III. Parenteral Routes

The parenteral route of administration involves delivering drugs directly into the body, bypassing
the gastrointestinal tract. There are several types of parenteral routes, including:

1. Intravenous (IV) administration: Drugs are injected directly into a vein and quickly
distributed throughout the body.
2. Intramuscular (IM) administration: Drugs are injected into the muscle tissue and
absorbed through the capillaries.
3. Subcutaneous (SC) administration: Drugs are injected into the fatty tissue beneath the
skin and absorbed through the capillaries.
4. Intradermal (ID) administration: Drugs are injected into the dermis, the layer of skin just
below the epidermis, and absorbed through the capillaries.
 
NAME : Vincent Jay Gamboa
SEMESTER : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : Foundations
 
 

Advantages of parenteral routes of administration include rapid onset of action, precise dosing,
and avoidance of gastrointestinal degradation. However, parenteral administration requires
skilled healthcare professionals, and the risk of infection, bleeding, or other complications may
be higher compared to enteral routes.

Overall, the parenteral route is ideal for drugs that cannot be absorbed orally or require rapid
onset of action.

IV. Topical Routes

Topical routes of administration involve applying drugs directly onto the skin or mucous
membranes. There are several types of topical routes, including:

1. Dermal administration: Drugs are applied to the skin and absorbed through the dermis.
2. Transdermal administration: Drugs are delivered through a patch that adheres to the skin
and releases the drug over a period of time.
3. Inhalation administration: Drugs are delivered directly into the lungs through inhalation.

Advantages of topical routes of administration include targeted delivery and avoidance of

gastrointestinal degradation. However, drug absorption may be affected by skin barrier
properties, and some drugs may cause skin irritation or sensitization.

Overall, topical routes are ideal for localized conditions and diseases, such as skin disorders or
respiratory diseases. Transdermal administration is also commonly used for systemic drug
delivery, such as hormone replacement therapy.

V. Other Routes

In addition to enteral, parenteral, and topical routes, there are several other routes of drug
administration, including:

1. Ophthalmic administration: Drugs are delivered as eye drops, ointments, or gels for
treating eye conditions.
2. Otic administration: Drugs are delivered as ear drops or solutions for treating ear
infections.
3. Nasal administration: Drugs are delivered as nasal sprays or drops for treating respiratory
conditions or allergies.
 
NAME : Vincent Jay Gamboa
SEMESTER : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : Foundations
 
 

Advantages of these routes of administration include targeted delivery and avoidance of

gastrointestinal degradation. However, drug absorption may be affected by factors such as the
pH and viscosity of the fluid.

Overall, these routes are ideal for treating conditions that affect the eyes, ears, or respiratory
system.

VI. Factors that Affect Drug Absorption

Several factors can affect drug absorption, regardless of the route of administration. These
include:

1. Physicochemical properties of drugs: Drug properties such as solubility, molecular

weight, and lipophilicity can affect their absorption and distribution.
2. Formulations: The formulation of the drug, such as dosage form, excipients, and particle
size, can affect absorption.
3. Patient-related factors: Patient factors such as age, gender, genetics, body weight, and
health status can affect drug absorption. For example, some drugs may be absorbed
differently in older adults or patients with impaired liver or kidney function.
4. Administration-related factors: The route and method of administration, such as injection
site or dose, can affect drug absorption.

Understanding these factors is important for healthcare professionals to choose the appropriate
route of administration and optimize drug therapy.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the different routes of drug administration is crucial for healthcare
professionals to ensure safe and effective drug therapy. The choice of route of administration
depends on several factors such as drug properties, patient-related factors, and administration-
related factors. Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, and healthcare professionals
should carefully consider these factors when selecting the appropriate route of administration. By
understanding the factors that affect drug absorption, healthcare professionals can also optimize
drug therapy and minimize the risk of adverse effects.