This document discusses various routes of drug administration in Ayurveda and modern medicine. It describes 4 main routes according to Ayurvedic classics: oral, nasal, rectal and topical. It also discusses other routes like ocular, auricular, urethral and vaginal. Factors deciding the route include disease location, dosha involvement and stage. Systemic routes include oral, parenteral like injection, and inhalation while local routes apply drugs topically or through specific openings. The choice of route depends on drug properties and desired effects.

1. Guided by- Dr. Anita Wanjari
Dr. Bharat Rathi
Dr. Mujahid Khan
Dr.Makrand Sonare
MAHATMA GANDHI AYURVED COLLEGE HOSPITALAND
RESEARCH CENTRE, SALOD (H) WARDHA
Department of Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana
Title: “ROUTES OF DRUGS ADMINISTRATION”
Presented by: Dr. Anjali S. Katore
PG Scholar 1st year

3. Introduction :
 The choice of route of drug administration depends on-
 How a drug can be safely used ?
 How the result can be obtained quickly in emergency condition?
 How drug can be best absorbed and concentrated at the site of action?
 The route of drugs administration is an important aspect & the different
drugs will act effectively when administered in specific route.
 On the other hand different drugs will need different routes of drug
administration to prove their efficacy in the given conditions.

4. Bhesha prayoga marga – Ayurvedic view
In charaka chikitsa sthana we get reference regarding the different routes of
administration. He has mainly considered 4 routes for the administration of
the drugs they are
1) Aasya (oral) – used in Amashayottha Rogas.
2) Nasya (Nasal) – used in Shiro Rogas
3) Guda (Rectal) - used in Pakwashayottha Rogas.
4) Pradeha (Topical) - used in different Skin Manifestations.

5. Other routes of Administration:
Other routes like Netra Marga. Karna Marga, Mootra Marga & Yoni Marga ,Are indirectly
discussed & are used for various therapies.
1) Netra Marga – This is exclusively used for the management of eye disorders.The drugs are
administered or applied in the form of Seka, Aschothana, Pindi, Bidalaka, Tarpana, Putapaka,
Varti, Anjana, etc.
2) Karna Marga – In various diseases of the Ear, the Drugs are administered Locally in the
ear. Karna Dhavana, i.e. washing , Karna Doopana(fumigation Of the ears) & Karna Poorana
are the procedures adpoted through this route.

6. 3.Mutra Marga - This route is selected for the management of Uro –
GenitalTract diseases & also for the management of infertility status.
4.Yoni Marga - This route is selected for the treatment of Uterine Disorders &
infertility in Females. Eg. Uttra Basti, Taila Picchu, Yoni purana, Yoni
Dhavana, etc. are performed through this route.

7. Factors deciding bheshaja prayoga marga
Uttpatthi Sthana of vyadhi
Location of Ama
Sama & Nirama avastha of Vyadhi
Roga Marga
Samprapti of Vyadhi
Dosha Avastha
Vyadhi Avastha
Dathugatha Avastha
Dosha gati

8.  The place of origin of the disease is called Uttpatthi sthana & the place of the
manifestation of its symptoms is called Vyaktha sthana.
 Some diseases show their lakshanas at a place of origin itself, while others do not.
The purpose of recognition of two places separately is to adopt appropriate
methods of treatments which when properly finalized decides its route of
administration. among these two uttpatti sthana is having greater importance than
the Vyaktha sthana.
 The chief aim of treatment is to stop the progress of the disease by correcting the
abnormalities which when achieved checks the symptoms.
 Only when the symptomatology are more strenghtful there is requirement to
adopt much more vigorous therapies like Vamana & virechana, etc.
 Thereby uttpatthi sthana recives special attention in deciding the route of drug
administration.
 Uttpatti Sthana of vyadhi

9.  Vamana karma - is the best to take out Ama from upper G.I.T.
 Virechana Karma – is best to take out Ama from lower G.I.T.
 Phala Varti – is best associate for Vatanulomana.
 Asthapana Basti – is best in taking out Dosha , Mala Sanchaya @
lower G.I.T. & attracting the sukshma Amarasa to the Koshta for
elemination .
 Location of ama

10.  Assesment of sama , nirama conditions is the most important
factor in diagnosis & selection of treatment.
 E.g. If sama condition is existing in the disease first Langhana ,
pachana & Deepana karma are to be started & to be followed by
Shodhana & Shamana chikitsa. i.e. both oral & some other
routes like rectal will be considered, where as in nirama
condition we can straight away go for shodhana & shamana
chikitsa .
 There by the sama & nirama avastha of the vyadhi decides the
priority in selecting the route of drug administration.
 Sama & nirama avastha of vyadhi

11.  Different varietes of diseases arise from all the three Roga Margas
explained in classics.
Eg. Shakha Marga – Raktadi Dathu & twak Roga.
 Almost all the diseases which arrise out of Bhaya Roga Marga are easy to
cure.
 The main purpose behind the explanation of Roga Marga is that , in order
to facilitate the prognosis of the disease & also to plan the treatment by
using an appropriate route of drug administration.
 Roga marga

12.  Due to various etiological factors the ama will be formed at various levels in
conjunction with the doshas, dhatu, malas & causes either local or systemic
manifestations. In case of local manifestation , local route will be selected &
systemic route in Systemic manifestations.
 eg:- Udara Sthana– Gulma , Vidrudhi, Visuchika, Atisara, etc.
 Basti Gata – Prameha , Ashmari, Mutra gatha, etc.
 Urdva jatru gata – shiro rogas , etc.There by in accordance to the samprapti &
its manifestations different routes are selected.
 Samprapti of vyadhi

13.  Bahu dosha avastha - Shodhana theparies
 Madhyama dosha avastha - Langana , Pachana
 Alpa Dosha Avastha – Sam shamana
 Dosha avastha

14.  If disease does not treated as early as possible gradually it invades to
deeper dhatus and destroys the normal functions of dhatu is called DHATU
GATA AVASTHA. This condition may be observed in many disorders.
Involvement of later dhatus indicates severity of disease.
 Eg: Dhatu gata jwara , Dhatu gata Kushta, Vatarakta, Masurika etc..
 If disturbed pitta enters the skin (that is RasaDhatu) causes Visphota(Small
pox) and Masurika(Chiken pox). If the same vitiated pitta enters the Rakta
dhatu produces Visarpa and Dhaha. So depending up on the Dushya
involved treatment will be planned. Based on the treatment Route Of Drug
Administration will be decided.
 Dhatu Gata Avastha

15.  Dosha Gatis are helpful in finding out the direction and force of
vitiated doshas . In Urdhwa gati the doshas travel or progress
towards the upper part of the body, as in diseases like Chardi, Kasa,
urdhwaga Raktapitta, Urdhwaga Amlapitta and peenasa , while in
Adhogati the doshas travel or progress towards the lower direction
of the body as it happen in diseases like Atisara, pravahika,
AdhogaRaktapitta, etc..
 In both these conditions the doshas remain in Koshtas and come out
through the natural outlets of the body like mouth , nose, rectum,
urethra and Vagina.
 Dosha Gati

16.  In Tiryak Gati Doshas travel from Koshta towards Shaka , that is
instead of remaining in Koshta itself they come in to contact
with Shakas as in diseases like Jwara etc. This type of Gati helps
in knowing sadhyasadhyata and chikitsa
 Eg : Urdhwaga raktapitta is Sadhya
Adhoga raktapitta Yapy
Tiryak raktapitta is Asadhya
In case of raktapitta elimination of dosha from opposite route is
indicated

17. Definition
A route of administration in pharmacology and toxicology
is the path by which a drug, fluid, poison, or other substance
is brought into contact with the body.

18. CLASSIFICATION
SYSTEMIC LOCAL
ETERNAL
Oral
Sublingual
Rectal
PARENTERAL
Inhalation
Injectables
Transdermal
Intravenous
Intramuscular
Subcutaneous
Intra-arterial
Intra-articular
Intrathecal
Intradermal
Skin topical
Intranasal
Ocular drops
Mucosal-throat,
Vaginal,Mouth,Ear
Inhalational
Transdermal

19. FACTORS GOVERNING CHOICE OF ROUTE
 Physical & chemical properties of drug –
solid/liquid/gas; solubility, stability, PH, irritancy
 Site of desired action-localized and approachable or generalized and non
approachable
 Rate & extent of absorption from various routes
 Effect of digestive juices & first pass effect
 Rapidity of the desired response- emergency/routine
 Accuracy of dosage.
 Condition of the patient- unconscious, vomiting

21. ORAL ROUTE
 Also called as per oral (Po)
 Oral administration of medication is a convenient cost-effective and most
commonly used medication administration route.
 The primary site of drug absorption is usually the small intestine
 And the bioavailability of the medication is influenced by the amount of
drug absorbed across the intestinal epithelium
 The first-pass effect is an important consideration for orally administered
medications
 It refers to drug metabolism where by the drug concentration is significantly
diminished before it reaches the systemic circulation,often due to the
metabolism at the liver.
eg. Tablet,
Capsule,
Syrup, etc

22. ADVANTAGES:
 Convenient - can be self- administered, pain
free, easy to take
 Absorption - takes place along the whole
length of the GI tract
 Cheap - compared to most other parenteral
routes

23. Disadvantages:
 Sometimes inefficient - only part of the drug may be absorbed
 First-pass effect - drugs absorbed orally are initially
transported to the liver via the portal vein
 irritation to gastric mucosa - nausea and vomiting
 destruction of drugs by gastric acid and digestive juices
 effect too slow for emergencies
 unpleasant taste of some drugs
 unable to use in unconscious patient

24. First-pass Effect
The first-pass effect is the term used for the
hepatic metabolism of a pharmacological agent
when it is absorbed from the gut and delivered to
the liver via the portal circulation.
The greater the first-pass effect, the less the
agent will reach the systemic circulation when
the agent is administered orally

25. Oral Dosage Forms
Common dose forms for oral administration
 Tablets
 capsules
 Liquids
 solutions
 suspensions
 Syrups
 elixirs
Syrups
Tablets
Capsules
Soft Gel
Capsules Elixirs

26. SUBLINGUAL ROUTE:
They are to be placed under the tongue and produce immediate
systemic effect by enabling the drug absorbed directly through
mucosal lining of the mouth beneath the tongue.
The drug absorbed from stomach goes to mesenteric circulation
which connects to stomach via portal vein. Thus, absorption
through oral cavity avoids first-pass metabolism

27. Advantages:
 Drug absorption is quick
 Quick termination
 First-pass avoided
 Can be self administered
 Economical

28. Disadvantages:
 UNPALATABLE & BITTER DRUGS
 IRRITATION OF ORAL MUCOSA
 LARGE QUANTITIES NOT GIVEN
 FEW DRUGS ARE ABSORBED

29. Buccal Route:
 In oral cavity, buccal region deals with an acceptable route of
administration for systemic drug delivery.
 Delivery of drug through Buccal mucosa of oral cavity is
called Buccal drug delivery system.
 Buccal cavity mucosa was the most convenient and also easily
approachable site for purpose of delivering the therapeutic
agent for both local as well as systemic delivery used as
retentive dosage form.
 Mucosa has a rich blood supply so it is highly permeable.

30. Advantages:
 Avoid first pass effect
 Rapid absorption
 Drug stability

31. Disadvantages:
 Inconvenience
 advantages lost if swallowed
 Small dose limit

32. Rectal Route:
Rectal drug delivery system means administration of drug or
pharmaceutical preparation via rectum using a mucoadhesive
polymer for local or systemic effect.
Different types of rectal dosage forms –
1. Solid dosage forms- Suppositories.
2. Liquid dosage forms-Enemas,solutions and suspensions.
3. Semisolid dosage forms-Ointments, creams and gels (hydrogels).

33.  It allows for rapid and effective absorption of medications via the
highly vascularized rectal mucosa
 Rectally administrated medication undergo passive diffusion and
partially bypass the first - pass metabolism.
 only half of the drug absorbed in the rectum directly goes to the liver.

34. Advantages:
 Used in children
 Little or no first pass effect
 Used in vomiting or unconscious
 Higher concentrations rapidly
achieved

35. Disadvantages:
 Inconvenient
 Absorption is slow and erratic
 Irritation or inflammation of rectal
mucosa can occur

36. SYSTEMIC PARENTERAL:
1.Inhalation:
Inhalation or Pulmonary Absorption: Gaseous and volatile drugs may be
inhaled.
They are then absorbed by pulmonary endothelium and mucous membrane of
the respiratory tract and reach circulation rapidly.
Volatile or gaseous anaesthetics such as halothane, enflurane and nitrous
oxide are administered by this route.
The respiratory tract, which includes the nasal mucosa, hypopharynx, and
large and small airway structures, provides a large mucosal surface for drug
absorption.
This route of administration is useful for treatment of pulmonary conditions
and for delivery of drugs to distant target organs via the circulatory system.

37. Bronchodilators are generally given from inhalers in aerosol form.
Now inhalers have been developed which allow the supply of accurately metered
doses of drugs.
This development has greatly extended the scope of this technique.
An increasing variety of drugs are being administered by this route to obtain
a direct effect on the target tissues of the respiratory system, including :-
corticosteroids, antibiotics, and antifungal and antiviral agents.
Distribution of the drug depends on the following factors:
oFormulation
oDilution
oParticle size
oLipid solubility
oMethod of administration
oSite of administration

38. Advantages:
 Mucous membrane of respiratory
system
 Rapid absorption (large surface area)
 Provide local action
 Minor systemic effect
 Low bioavailability
 Less side effects
 No first pass effect

39. Disadvantages:
Only few drugs can be used

40. Dosage Form:
Aerosol
Nebulizer
Nebulizer
Aerosol

41. PARENTERAL ROUTE:
2.Injectable:
The term parenteral administration implies the routes through which the
drug directly reaches the body fluids, by passing the preliminary process
of transport through the intestinal wall or pulmonary alveoli which is an
essential process when drugs are taken orally, inhaled or administered
reactally.

42. PARENTERAL ROUTES
Direct delivery of drug in to systemic circulation without
intestinal mucosa
Intradermal (I.D.) (into skin)
Subcutaneous (S.C.) (into subcutaneous tissue)
Intramuscular (I.M.) (into skeletal muscle)
Intravenous (I.V.) (into veins)
Intra-arterial (L.A.) (into arteries)
Intrathecal (I.T.) (cerebrospinal fluids)
Intraperitoneal (I.P.) (peritoneal cavity)
Intra-articular (Synovial fluids)

43. Intradermal (I.D.):
The intradermal route has the longest absorption
time of all parenteral routes.
For this reason, intradermal injections are used for
sensitivity tests, such as tuberculin and allergy
tests, and local anesthesia.

44. Intradermal injections are administered
into the dermis, just below the epidermis.

45. Intravenous Route:
 An intravenous route directly administers the
medications to the systemic circulation.
 Absorption phase is bypassed.
 It is indicated when a rapid drug level is needed or when
drugs are unstable or poorly absorbed in GIT.
 Route utilized in patients with altered mental status or
severe nausea or vomiting, unable to tolerate oral
medication .

46. Advantages:
 BIOAVAILABILITY 100%
 DESIRED BLOOD
 CONCENTRATIONS ACHIEVEDD
LARGE QUANTITIES
 VOMITING & DIARRHEA
 EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
 FIRST PASS AVOIDED
 GASTRIC MANUPALATION AVOIDED

47. Disadvantages:
 IRRITATION & CELLULITIS
 REPEATED INJECTIONS NOT ALWAYS FEASIBLE
 LESS SAFE
 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED
 DANGER OF INFECTION
 EXPENSIVE
 LESS CONVENIENT AND PAINFUL

48. Intramuscular Route:
Administration of medication into muscle
An IM route can be utilized when oral drug
absorption occurs in on erratic or
incomplete pattern.
PURPOSE:
 Faster rate of absorption
 Muscle tissue can hold large volume
of fluid
 This is favorable for some
medication

49. Advantages:
 ABSORPTION REASONABLY UNIFORM
 RAPID ONSET OF ACTION
 MILD IRRITANTS CAN BE GIVEN
 FIRST PASS AVOIDED
 GASTRIC FACTORS CAN BE AVOIDED

50. Disadvantages:
 ONLY UPTO 10ML DRUG GIVEN
 LOCAL PAIN AND ABCESS
 EXPENSIVE
 INFECTION
 NERVE DAMAGE

51. Subcutaneous Route:
DEFINITION :
Subcutaneous injection is administered into the fatty layer
of skin directly below the dermis and epidermis.
Subcutaneous injections are highly effective in
administering vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella and
medications such as insulin, morphine, di-acetyl morphine
and goserelin.

52. SITES OF SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION:
Abdomen: At or under the level of the belly button, about
2 inches away from the navel.
Arm: Back or side of the upper arm.
Thigh: Front of the thigh.
Buttock: Imagine a line that runs across the back just above
the crack between the buttocks. An injection may be given
below the waist and above this line

53. Advantages:
1. Safe and easy route.
2. Slow and sustained absorption.
3. Self medication is possible.
4. Prolonged duration of action.
5. Foul smelling & irritating drugs can be given.

54. Disadvantages:
1. Painful
2. Skin pigmentation
3. Hypersensitivity reaction may occur.
4. Large volume of drug can not be given.
5. Discoloration of skin may occur.
6. Irritation, infection, tissue necrosis to the site of injection may occur.

55. INTRA-ARTERIAL
 Rarely used
 Anticancer drugs are given for localized effects
 Drugs used for diagnosis of peripheral vascular
diseases

56. INTRA-ARTICULAR ROUTE:
Injections of antibiotics and corticosteroids
are administered in inflamed joined
cavities by experts.
Example: Hydrocortisone in Rhumatoid
Arthritis

57. PARENTERAL -Transdermal
Introduction
Definition –
Transdermal therapeutic systems are defined as self
contained,self discrete dosage forms ,which when applied to
the intact skin deliver the drug at a controlled rate to the
systemic circulation.
• A simple patch that you stick onto your skin like an
adhesive bandage, which utilize passive diffusion of drugs
across the skin as the delivery mechanism.

58. ADVANTAGES:
 Self administration is possible with these system.
 The drug input can be terminated at any point of time by removing transdermal
patch.
 Allows effective use of drugs with short biological half-life
 Allow administration of drugs with narrow therapeutic wind
 Provides controlled plasma level of very potent drugs
 Drug input can be promptly interrupted when toxicity occurs

59. DISADVANTAGES:
 Drug or drug formulation may cause skin irritation or sensitization
 Uncomfortable to wear
 May not be economical.

60. Route for administration-Time until effect:
Intravenous 30-60 seconds
Endotracheal 2-3 seconds
Inhalation 2-3 minutes
Sublingual 3-5 minutes
intramuscular 10-20 minutes
Subcutaneous 15-30 minutes
Rectal 5-30 minutes
Ingestion 30-90minutes
Transdermal (topical) variable(minutes to hours)

61. LOCAL- TOPICAL ROUTE:
Defined as the application of a drug containing
formulation to the skin or mucous membrane, to treat
specific cutaneous disorders (e.g. acne) or cutaneous
manifestations of a generalised disease (e.g. psoriasis),
with the intent of containing the pharmacological effect of
the drug only to the surface or within the layers of skin or
mucous membrane.

62. Topical Dosage Forms
Dose forms for topical administration include:
 Skin:
□ creams
□ointments
□lotions
□gels
□ transdermal patches
 Eye or ear:
- solutions
-suspensions
-ointments.
 Nose and lungs:
-sprays and powders

63. Includes two basic types:
A)External- that are spread or dispersed on the cutaneous
surface covering the affected area.
B) Internal- that are applied to the mucous membrane of eye
(conjunctiva), ear, oropharyngeal cavity, nasal cavity, vagina or
anorectal region for local activity.

64. Classification Based on physical state:
Topical
Route
Solid
Powder
Aerosol
Plaster
Liquid
Lotion
Liniment
Solution
Emulsion
Suspension
Aerosol
Semi-Solid
Ointment
Cream
Paste
Gel
Jelly
Suppository

65.  According to Ayurveda Solid dosage forms are:-
Vati
Vatak
Gutika Churna
Granules
Modak Bhasma
Pisthi
Parpati
Kalka
Guggulu
Pottali
Varti Lepa
Lepaguti Lozeng
es

66. LIQUID DOSAGES FORM:
Asava: Asava are ayurvedic medicines, which are prepared from
fermentation processes using herbs, water and sugar. Almost all
asava medicines do not includes preparation of decoctions, but it
has very few exceptions.
Arishta: Arishta are type of ayurvedic medicines, which are
prepared with natural fermentation process using herbal
decoction, dhataki flowers and sugar. Arishta means to have a
long shelf life.

67. Ghrita: Medicated ghrita are used internally or externally. It is the
best one due to its ability to assimilate effectively the properties
of the ingredients added to it and without losing its own
properties. It improves digestion, rejuvenations of cell which
helps in the healing process of the body.
Taila: Taila are widely used in ayurveda for abhyanga, snehan, basti
purpose. Taila are quickly absorbed into the body and provide
oleation. It revoves dryness, relief pain and stiffness due to vata
dosha.

68. Advantages of Topical Drug Delivery System:-
 Avoidance of first pass metabolism
 Easy application
 Avoidance of the risks and inconveniences of administration and the varied
conditions of absorption, like pH changes, presence of enzymes, gastric
emptying time etc in enteral or parenteral routes
 Achievement of efficacy with lower total daily dosage of drug by
continuous drug input
 Avoids fluctuation in drug levels, inter- and intra-patient variations Easy
termination of medications, when needed

69.  Relatively large area of application
 Drug can be delivered more selectively to a specific site
 Avoidance of gastro-intestinal incompatibility Provide utilization of
drugs with short biological half-life & narrow therapeutic window
 Improved physiological and pharmacological response
 Improved patient compliance
 Suitable for self-medication

70. Disadvantages of Topical Drug Delivery
System:
 Skin irritation/contact dermatitis due to drug and/or excipients
 Poor permeability of some drugs through the skin
 Possibility of allergic reactions
 Can be used only for those drugs which require low plasma
concentration for action
 Enzymes in epidermis may denature the drugs
 Drugs with larger particle size are difficult to get absorbed through
the skin

71. Topical Dosage Forms:
Ointment:-
 Viscous semisolid preparation
 Applied externally to skin or mucous membrane (eye, nose, vagina,
rectum)
Ointments are homogenous, translucent, viscous, semi solid preparation
intended for external application to skin or mucous membranes.
Ointment may be medicated or not.
Applied to mucous membrane or skin
Uses
Emollient
Application for active ingredients to the skin
Occlusive

73. Advantages over ointment:
1. Less greasy
2. Spreads easily
3. Soothing sensation
4. Easily washable
• Uses:
1. Physical or chemical barrier to protect the skin e.g. sunscreens
2. Cleansing agent
3. Emollient
4. Retention of moisture (especially water-in-oil creams)
5. Vehicle for drug substances such as local anaesthetics, anti inflammatory
agents, hormones, steroids, antibiotics,antifungals or counter-irritants

74. Cream:-
Viscous semisolid emulsion- medicaments dissolved or suspended in
water removable bases.
Applied to skin or mucous membrane (vagina, rectum)
Most are O/W (small droplets of oil dispersed in a continuous aqueous
phase), only cold creams and emollients are W/O (small droplets of water
dispersed in a continuous oily phase).
O/W (vanishing) - water washable, non greasy, non occlusive, more
cosmetically acceptable.
W/O (oily) - for some hydrophobic drugs, more emollient.

75. Paste:
 Contains high percentage of insoluble solid
(usually 50% or more)
 Pastes are usually prepared by incorporating
solids directly into a congealed system by
levigation with a portion of base to form paste
like mass.
 They have good adhesion on skin and less
greasy.

77. Gels & Jellies:-
 Gels are semi solid system in which liquid phase is constrained with a
3-D polymeric matrix having a high degree of physical or chemical
cross linking
 Gels are aqueous colloidal system of hydrated forms of insoluble
medicaments.
 Jellies are transparent or translucent non greasy semisolid and contain
more water than gels.
 Used for medication, lubrication and carrier for spermicidal agents to
be used intra vaginally with diaphragm.

79. Lotion:
 Liquid preparations meant for external application without
friction.
 They are applied direct to the skin with the help of some
absorbent material such as cotton, wool or gauze soaked in it.
 Lotions may be used for local action as cooling, soothing or
protective purpose.
 They are generally prescribed for antiseptic action
e.g. Calamine lotion

81. Liniments:
Liquid and semi liquid preparations meant for application to
the skin.
It is usually applied to the skin with friction and rubbing of
the skin.
Liniments may be alcoholic or oily solutions or emulsions.
Alcohol helps in penetration of medicament in to the skin and
also increases its counterirritant action.
Liniments contain medicaments possessing analgesic,
rubefacient, soothing, counter irritant or stimulating properties.

82. Collodions:
Liquid preparations for external use which is highly flammable,
colorless or yellowish syrup solution of nitrocellulose, ether and
alcohol, used as an adhesive to close small wounds and hold
surgical dressings, in topical medication.

83. Gargles/ Mouth wash:
Aqueous solutions used to prevent or treat throat infections.
They are usually available in concentrated for with direction for
dilution with warm water before use.
They are brought in to contact with mucous membrane of the
throat and are allowed to remain in contact with it for a few
seconds.

84. Ear drops:
solutions of drugs that are instilled in to the ear with a dropper.
These are generally used for cleaning the ear, softening the wax
and for treating the mild infections.

85. Eye drops:
 Sterile solution or suspensions of drugs that are
instilled in to the eye with a dropper.
 The eye drops are usually made in aqueous
vehicle.
 It should be sterile isotonic with lachrymal
secretions, buffered and free from foreign particles
to avoid irritation to the eye.

86. Nasal drops:
 solutions of drugs that are instilled in to the nose with a
dropper.
 They are usually aqueous and not oily drops.
 Nasal drops should be isotonic having neutral pH and
viscosity similar to nasal secretions by using methyl
alcohol.

87. Dusting powders
 These are meant for external application to the
skin and are generally in a very fine state of
subdivision to avoid local irritation.
 These are mainly used for their antiseptic,
astringents,absorbent,anti-persistants,and
antipruritic action.

88. Suppositories
 These are conical bullet-shaped dosage forms
for insertion into the anal canal , in which the
drug is fixed with a mouldable firm base that
melts at body temperature and releases the
contained drug.
 Oval or suitably shaped bodies for vaginally
insertion are called pessaries while elongated
pencils like cones meant for insertion into male
or female urethra are called bougies.
 Examples:-Paracetamol suppositories.

90. References:
 K.D.Triphathi ,Essentials of medical pahrmacology,8th
generation.
 https://www.slideshare.net/ankit_2408/routes-of-drug-
administration-1
 https://www.slideshare.net/drchandanerd/routes-of-
administration-pharmacology