Routes and Methods of Drug Administration

Question 1

Aerosol

Answer 1

Drugs inhaled directly into nose and mouth

Question 2

Suppositories (suppos)

Answer 2

Method for administering medication by placing it in substance that will melt after being placed in body cavity, usually rectally, and release medication

Question 3

Oral

Answer 3

Includes all drugs given by mouth. The advantages are ease of administration and a slow rate of absorption via the stomach and intestinal wall. The disadvantages include slowness of absorption and destruction of some chemical compounds by gastric juices. In addition, some medications, such as aspirin, can have a corrosive action on the stomach lining

Question 4

Sublingual

Answer 4

Includes drugs that are held under the tongue and not swallowed. The medication is absorbed by the blood vessels on the underside of the tongue as the saliva dissolves it. The rate of absorption is quicker than the oral route. Nitroglycerin to treat angina pectoris (chest pain) is administered by this route.

Question 5

Inhalation

Answer 5

Includes drugs inhaled directly into the nose and mouth. Aerosol sprays are administered by this route

Question 6

Parenteral

Answer 6

An invasive method of administering drugs as it requires the skin to be punctured by a needle. The needle with syringe attached is introduced either under the skin or into a muscle, vein, or body cavity

Question 7

Intracavitary

Answer 7

Injection into a body cavity such as the peritoneal and chest cavity

Question 8

Intradermal

Answer 8

Very shallow injection just under the top layer of skin. Commonly used in skin testing for allergies and tuberculosis testing

Question 9

Intramuscular

Answer 9

Injection directly into the muscle of the buttocks, thigh, or upper arm. Used when there is a large amount of medication or it is irritating

Question 10

Intrathecal

Answer 10

Injection into the meningeal space surrounding the brain and spinal cord

Question 11

Intravenous

Answer 11

Injection into the veins. This route may be set up to deliver medication very quickly or to deliver a continuous drip of medication

Question 12

Subcutaneous

Answer 12

Injection into the subcutaneous layer of the skin, usually the upper, outer arm or abdomen; for example, insulin injection

Question 13

Transdermal

Answer 13

Includes medications that coat the underside of a patch, which is applied to the skin where it is then absorbed. Examples include birth control patches, nicotine patches, and sea sickness patches

Question 14

Rectal

Answer 14

Includes medications introduced directly into the rectal cavity in the form of suppositories or solution. Drugs may have to be administered by this route if the patient is unable to take them by mouth due to nausea, vomiting, or surgery

Question 15

Topical

Answer 15

Includes medications applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. They are distributed in ointment, cream, or lotion form, and are used to treat skin infections and eruptions

Question 16

Vaginal

Answer 16

Includes tablets and suppositories that may be inserted vaginally to treat vaginal yeast infections and other irritations

Question 17

Eyedrops

Answer 17

Includes drops used during eye examinations to dilate the pupil of the eye for better examination of the interior of the eye. They are also placed into the eye to control eye pressure in glaucoma and treat infections

Question 18

Eardrops

Answer 18

Includes drops placed directly into the ear canal for the purpose of relieving pain or treat infection

Question 19

Buccal

Answer 19

Includes drugs that are placed under the lip or between the cheek and gum