Topic 2 - Drug formulations and Routes of Administration

Question 1

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of oral drug administration

Answer 1

Advantages:

• Natural, uncomplicated and convient
• safe

Disadvantages:

• Slow onset of action
• Absorption erratic
• Inactivation by liver

Question 2

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of sublingual drug administration

Answer 2

Advantages:

• Avoids GI tract
• Avoids hepatic first-pass effect
• Onset of action may be faster

Disadvantages:

• not many drugs can be given via this route
• Compliance issues

Question 3

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of rectal drug administration

Answer 3

Advantages:

• Unconscious person
• Swallowing difficulties
• Nausea and vomiting

Disadvantages:

• Problems with administration
• Anal and rectal irritation

Question 4

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of topical drug administration

Answer 4

Advantages:

• Local action

Question 5

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of parenteral drug administration

Answer 5

Avantages:

• Quicker response time
• Alternate route when oral route not feasible

Disadvantages:

• Invasive
• Unrecoverable

Question 6

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of transdermal drug administration

Answer 6

Advantages:

• Prolonged duration

Disadvantages:

• Only very lipophilic drugs

Question 7

Compare and contrast the following oral formulations: tablets, controlled-release preparations, sustained-release
preparations and enteric coated preparations

Answer 7

Tablets