ROUTES OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION

LECTURER: JOSEPH, O.T

 ROUTES OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION
The major routes of drug administration include:-
 LOCAL ROUTE
TOPICAL
EYE
EAR
NOSE(inhalation)

 ENTERAL ROUTE
ORAL
SUBLINGUAL
RECTAL

 PARENTERAL ROUTE
INTRAVENOUS
INTRAMUSCULAR
INTRADERMAL
SUBCUTANOUS
INTRATHECAL,
INTRACRANIAL
INTRACEREBROSPINAL
 LOCAL ROUTES OF DRUG ADMINISRATION
• LOCAL ROUTE: Drugs administered via this route produce local effects, that is the effects of
the drugs administered via these routes produce effects that are seen in the regions where
the drugs are administered.
• Examples of these route include the eye, ear nose(inhalation) and the topical
route( application of the drug on the skin)
Advantages include the following:
• It produces rapid local effects
• The first pass effect is avoided
• There is usually a rapid absorption of the drug due to a large surface area
Disadvantages include the following:
• Only few drugs can be administered this way
• It could be an inconvenient procedure
• It may produce some irritation at the site of application
 ENTERAL ROUTE OF DRUG
ADMINISRATION
• ORAL ROUTE: This means that the drug is administered via the mouth and it follows the food digestion pathway. This
is the most widely used method of drug administration in other to provide a systemic effect.
Advantages
• Its one of the easiest, safest and convenient method that ensures a relatively supportive compliance. It is painless and
non invasive.
Disadvantages
• This route cannot be used during emergencies, absorption can be delayed by food and it is not useful when patient is
vomiting.
• SUBLINGUAL ROUTE: this is when a drug is placed under the tongue, where it dissolves. And is absorbed directly into
the systemic circulation.
Advantage:- In a relatively short time, the drug is largely absorbed into the blood vessels on the underside of the
tongue.
It is a relatively easy route of drug administration that enjoys compliance among patients.
Disadvantage:- The effect of drugs administered via this route is not easily reversible since it goes directly into the
systemic circulation.
 ENTERAL ROUTE OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION
• RECTAL ROUTE: Drugs are delivered through this route in the form of enemas and
suppositories.
• Enemas (administration of a drug into the rectum in liquid form)
• Suppository( administration of a drug into the rectum in a solid form)
Advantages include the following:
• Useful in children
• Little first pass effect
• Can be given in vomiting
• Higher therapeutic concentrations of drugs are achieved rapidly in the rectum
Disadvantages include the following:
• Drug absorption can be slow, erratic and unreliable at times
• It can be inconvenient and can also mix with Feaces
• Irritation or inflammation of the rectal mucosa can occur
 PARENTERAL ROUTES OF DRUG ADMINISRATION
• INTRADERMAL ROUTE: Here the drug is injected into the dermis (under the epidermis). Ii
is commonly used for DIAGNOSTIC & TEST PROCEDURES.
Advantages include the following: First pass effect is avoided and drug can be given in the
presence of vomiting
Disadvantages include the following:It is usually painful and it could cause local injury.
• SUBCUTANEOUS ROUTE : Here the drug is injected into the alveolar connective tissues
Just below the skin e.g. insulin is usually given subcutaneously.
Advantages include the following:
There is a sustained action of the administered drug
Drugs can be given in the presence of vomiting
First pass effect is avoided
Self administration is possible
Disadvantages include the following: Large volumes cannot be given at once, there is also
the danger of infection and drug absorption can be slow.
 PARENTERAL ROUTE OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION
• INTRAMUSCULAR ROUTE: these are used when quicker absorption is required from the
subcutaneous route or when the drug would be irritant to superficial tissues.
• Common sites often used for the administration of intramuscular injections are the buttocks and the
deltoid area.
• Advantages include the following: It can be used in emergencies, It produces a rapid onset of action,
First pass effect is avoided, It can be used when there is vomiting and drugs producing gastric
irritation can be administered via this route.
• Disadvantages include the following: It requires a professional to administer drug via this route, It can
be painful, it can be expensive and there is also the danger of infection.

• INTRAVENOUS ROUTE: injected into the veins.

• Advantages include the following: Bioavailability is 100%, Produces a very rapid action, Large volumes
can be administered, it can be used in emergency situations and in the presence of vomiting.
• Disadvantages include the following: Once the drug is administered, its action cannot be halted, self
administration is not possible, Strict aseptic conditions are needed and it can cause injury, necrosis
and sloughing of tissues.
 PARENTERAL ROUTES OF DRUG ADMINISRATION
• INTRATHECAL ROUTE: These are special low dose injections into the cerebro-
spinal fluid via a lumbar puncture and are used when a drug does not penetrate
into the cerebro-spinal fluid if administered by any other route.
• Drugs used include pennicillins and streptomycin in the treatment of menigitis;
methotrexate is also used in some of the protocols for the treatment of childhood
leukemia.
• INTRA-ARTICULAR ROUTE: Here drugs are injected directly into the joint space for
example hydrocortisone injection for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Advantages include a rapid absorption of drugs and that this route can be used in
the presence of vomiting
• Disadvantages include the following: Strict aseptic precautions are needed and
repeated administration via this route may cause damage to the articular cartilage
 PARENTERAL ROUTE OF DRUG ADMINSTRATION
• INTRAPERITONEAL ROUTE: This involves the injection of drugs into the
peritoneal cavity( the area that contains the abdominal organ)
Advantages of this route includes the following: It produces less systemic
effects and it can be used in the presence of vomiting
Disadvantages include the following: It can cause pain, it can be uncomfortable
and it also cause infections.
INTRAPLEURAL ROUTE: This involves the injection of drugs through the chest
wall into the pleural space.
Advantages include the following: It produces less systemic effects and it can be
used in emergencies.
Disadvantages include the following: The procedure can only be carried out by
a professional.It can cause pain, it can be uncomfortable and it also cause
infections.