Route of drug administration is an important topic in the medical field. doctors, nurses, and other staff members are trained on the various routes of drug administration/ medication. there are routes that do not require any assistance and some that require trained medical personnel.

1. By: Dr.Varun Kapoor
ROUTES OF DRUG
ADMINISTRATION
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2. Routes of drug administration
Systemic
Enteral Parenteral
Local
Topical
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4. ORAL ROUTE
It involves swallowing of the drug for absorption through the
Gastro-Intestinal tract (GI tract).
Common forms include: tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions, elixirs,
emulsions
Advantages:-
 Simplest and safest route
 Non-invasive and does not need assistance
 Convenient for repeated and prolonged use
 Painless and drugs can be self administered.
Disadvantages:-
 It is Inefficient, as at times only a part of the drug is absorbed
 Absorption depends on food as some drugs are absorbed empty
stomach and some after food.
 First pass effect- drugs absorbed are first transported to the liver and
then to the systemic circulation.
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5. Sublingual Route
In sublingual route the drug form either a tablet or a lozenge
is placed under the tongue and is rapidly absorbed by the
oral mucosa.
Advantages:-
 First pass effect is avoided
 Drug absorption is quick
Disadvantages:-
 Bitter drugs are difficult to consume
 Large doses cannot be given
 Only a few drugs are absorbed sublingually.
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6. Buccal Route
The drug is placed between the gums and the
cheek pouch and is absorbed by the buccal
mucosa.
Advantages:-
 First pass effect is avoided
 Rapid absorption of the drug
Disadvantages:-
 It is inconvenient to place the drug
in that area.
 The drug is ineffective if swallowed.
 Small dose limit.
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7. Rectal Route
The drug is administered by suppository or enema.
Advantages:-
 It is used often in children.
 Used in cases of vomiting or unconscious person.
 First pass effect is mostly avoided.
Disadvantages:-
 It is inconvenient
 Absorption is slow
 Irritation and inflammation of the rectal mucosa can occur.
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8. Parenteral Route
It refers to administration of drugs through injection or
infusion by the means of a needle or a catheter.
The term parenteral means outside the intestine that means
the drug bypasses the alimentary canal.
It can be classified as:-
 Intra-venous
 Intra-muscular
 Intra-arterial
 Intra-articular
 Intra-athecal
 Intra-dermal
 Inhalation
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9. Intravenous Route
Advantages:-
 Desired blood concentrations can be achieved.
 Large quantities can be administered
 Useful in cases of vomiting, diarrhoea
 Used in emergency situations due to 100% bioavailability.
 First pass effect is avoided.
Disadvantages:-
 Technical personnel required
 Can cause cellulitis and irritation
 Thrombophlebitis can occur
 Repeated injections are not feasible.
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10. Intramuscular Route
Advantages:-
 Uniform absorption of the drug
 Rapid onset of action
 First pass effect is avoided
Disadvantages:-
 Maximum dosage can be of 10 ml
 Local pain
 Possibility of nerve damage
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11. Subcutaneous Injection
 Injected under the skin
 Absorption is slow
Intra-arterial Injection
 It is rarely used
 Used mostly on cases of peripheral vascular diseases
Intra-articular Injection
 Injection of antibiotics and
corticosteroids
 Given in inflamed joints
e.g. rheumatoid arthritis
Intra-dermal Injection
 Drug is administered within the
skin layers
 Very painful
 Used mostly for testing drug sensitivity
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12. Topical Routes Of Administration
It refers to the application of a drug directly on to a surface
on the body.
These types of drugs can be used on:
 Skin
 Eye
 Ear
 Nose
 Lungs
Dosage form includes:
 Skin- Creams, ointments, lotions, gels and patches.
 Ear & Eye- Solutions suspensions and ointments.
 Nasal and Lungs- Sprays and powders.
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13. Advantages of The Topical Route:-
 Local therapeutic effects
 Lower risk of side effects
 Topical administration offers a steady drug delivery into the
system.
 Sprays for inhalation can be used for both local as well as
systemic effects.
 First pass effect is avoided
Disadvantages of The Topical Route:-
 Drugs are not well absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin.
 Large quantities cannot be administered
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14. Common Abbreviations
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 Oral
 Sublingual- SL
 Buccal- Bucc
 Per Rectum- PR
 Intra Venous- IV
 Intra Muscular- IM
 Subcutaneous- SC
 Intra- Arterial- Iart
 Intra articular- IJ (intra joint)
 Intra dermal- ID
 Intra Nasal- IN
 Nasogastric- NG
 Injection- Inj
 Gastro intestinal- GI

15. Selection Of The Route
The route of administration can be selected by:-
 Physical characteristics of the drug
 Speed which the drug is absorbed or released
 The need to bypass the hepatic metabolism
 To achieve high concentrations at particular sites
 Accuracy of the dosage
 Condition of the patient
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