Administration routes are based on the medication used, how quickly it needs to be absorbed, and the part of the body where the medication needs to have an effect. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will instruct you on the route of administration needed for your medication. Most drugs are manufactured for a specific route of administration and must be used as directed forsafety and efficiency.
This article goes over the different ways medication can be administered.
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What Are the Routes of Medication Administration?
Parenteral
This administration route involves medication that is injected into the body anywhere other than the mouth or alimentary canal (the entire passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines).
Generally, parenteral is the most reliable, direct, and rapidly absorbed way to administer medications. This mode of administration is used when more complete and faster drug absorption is needed.
Parenteral describes any medication injected into the body via the following routes:
The speed of absorption varies with parenteral administration, but it is faster than oral administration, which is a nonparenteral route. Some of the disadvantages of using the parenteral route are that there is a slight risk of infection, tissue damage, and pain and/or anxiety for some patients.
“Percutaneous” (from the Latinpermeaning “through” andcutismeaning “skin”) is the term used to describe any medications given through the skin. This includes injections as well as topical/transdermal medications.
Nonparenteral
Nonparenteral is the route thatoral medications(pills, capsules, syrups), topical medications (ointments, patches like nitro), and suppositories (vaginal and rectal) are administered. This route includes:
The advantage of using these nonparenteral routes is that they are easier and more convenient for most. Unfortunately, if you are nauseated, vomiting, can’t swallow, or have intestinal issues, taking medications via the gastrointestinal tract is not recommended.
Summary
Medications can be administered many different ways, including orally, topically, with an injection, etc. The way your medication will be administered depends on various factors like what the medication is, how quickly it needs to be absorbed, and what part of your body needs it.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Medication routes of administration.
National Cancer Institute.Percutaneous.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.What can be done when treatments don’t seem to help?
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