The fastest way to get a drug to the brain is by smoking it. When a drug like tobacco smoke is taken into the lungs, nicotine (the addictive chemical in tobacco) seeps into lung blood where it can quickly travel to the brain. This fast delivery is one reason smoking cigarettes is so addicting. Show
Injecting a drug directly into a blood vessel is the second fastest way to get a drug to the brain, followed by snorting or sniffing it through the nose. A slow mode of delivery is ingestion, such as drinking alcohol. The effects of alcohol take many minutes rather than a few seconds to cause behavioral and biological changes in the brain. In this guide, we summarise the most common routes used to administer drugs, the advantages and disadvantages of each drug route and examples of dosage forms that are used to deliver the active drug to the intended site of action in the body. Table of Contents: Routes of drug administration 1. Oral Route Oral RouteThe drug is administered to or by way of the mouth.1 A drug given via this route is absorbed into the systemic circulation from the gastrointestinal tract. The oral route is the most frequently used route for drug administration. Oral Dosage Forms
Advantages of the Oral Route
Disadvantages of the Oral Route
Sublingual RouteA dosage form designed for the sublingual (SL) route is administered under the tongue. The drug is absorbed from the blood vessels that lie under the tongue and enters the systemic circulation directly, thus avoiding first-pass metabolism. Sublingual Dosage Forms
Advantages of the Sublingual Route
Disadvantages of the Sublingual Route
Buccal RouteThe buccal route is administered by placing the buccal dosage form between the gum and the inner cheek. The drug is rapidly absorbed from the buccal mucosa and enters the systemic circulation, thus avoiding first-pass metabolism. In addition, this route can also be used for a local effect (e.g. hydrocortisone muco-adhesive buccal tablet for the treatment of aphthous ulceration of the mouth). Buccal Dosage Forms
Advantages of the Buccal Route
Disadvantages of the Buccal Route
Intravenous RouteA drug administered by the intravenous (IV) route is given directly into a vein as direct injection or infusion. Intravenous Dosage Forms
Advantages of the Intravenous Route
Disadvantages of the Intravenous Route
Intramuscular RouteThe intramuscular (IM) route is given directly into the muscle (e.g. gluteus medius and deltoid). Intramuscular Dosage Forms
Advantages of the Intramuscular Route
Disadvantages of the Intramuscular Route
Subcutaneous RouteThe subcutaneous (SC) route is injected into the subcutaneous tissue. It can be given as direct injection or infusion. Advantages of the Subcutaneous Route
Disadvantages of the Subcutaneous Route
Pulmonary/Inhalation RouteThe inhalation route is used for a local effect or systemic effect. The drug is inhaled through the mouth and delivered into the lungs. Pulmonary Dosage Forms
Advantages of Inhalation Route
Disadvantages of Inhalation Route
Nasal RouteAdministration of a drug directly into the nose. Nasal Dosage Forms
Advantages of Nasal Route
Disadvantages of Nasal Route
Rectal RouteAdministration into the rectum for a localised effect or a systemic effect. Rectal Dosage Forms
Advantages of Rectal Route
Disadvantages of Rectal Route
Vaginal RouteAdministered into the vagina.1 Vaginal Dosage Forms
Advantages of Vaginal Route
Disadvantages of Vaginal Route
Cutaneous RouteAdministration to the skin.1 Cutaneous Dosage Forms
Advantages of Cutaneous Route
Disadvantages of Cutaneous Route
Otic/Ear RouteAdministration to or by way of the ear.1 Otic Dosage Forms
Advantages of the Otic Route
Disadvantages of the Otic Route
Ocular/Eye RouteAdministration of drug into the eye. Ocular Dosage Forms
Advantages of the Ocular Route
Disadvantages of the Ocular Route
Transdermal RouteAbsorption of the drug through the skin and into the systemic circulation. Transdermal Dosage Forms
Advantages of the Transdermal Route
Disadvantages of the Transdermal Route
Reference: 1. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Data Standards Manual: Route of Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/data-standards-manual-monographs/route-administration [Accessed on 01/10/2020]. About KnowledgeDoseKnowledgeDose strives to help support healthcare professionals, trainees and university students in their everyday practices, studies and professional development. We create and share clinical content that is accessible, engaging and concise. More by KnowledgeDose Which of the following routes of medication administration has the fastest effect?When given intravenously, a drug is delivered immediately to the bloodstream and tends to take effect more quickly than when given by any other route.
Which of the following medication routes will provide the most rapid rate of absorption?Intravenous (IV)
It is the fastest and most certain and controlled way. It bypasses absorption barriers and first-pass metabolism.
What is the fastest route of administration for a drug quizlet?The intravenous route is the fastest acting of all the routes of medication administration.
Which route of administration has the slowest onset of action?On oral administration, drug action has a slower onset and more prolonged but less potent effect than when drugs are given parenterally.
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