QUESTION NO.

1
ROUTE OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION
1. CLASSIFICATION
a) alimentary route oral , rectal, sublingual, buccal
b) parental route intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intra-peritoneal, intraarterial, intra-thecal, trans-dermal
c) miscellaneous routes topical administration , inhalation
2. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF INTRVENOUS ROUTE AND
EXAMPLES OF DRUGS
Drugs used by I.V : neuroleptanesthesia (droperidol, fentanyl) , barbiturates (thiopental)
Propofrol , midazolam, etomidate.
Advantages: - drug gets to the site more quickly, providing a rapid response which may
Be inquired during emergency.
- the dose can often be more accurately delivered
- can be used when alimentary route is not feasible ( patient is
unconscious)
- large volumes can be delivered
Disadvantages:
-

more rapid absorption can lead to increase adverse reaction

a sterile formulation and an aseptic technique are required
local irritation may occur at the site of injection
parental administration is not suitable for insoluble substances.

3. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION

Advantages:
-

it is the safest route of administration.

Delivery of drug in circulation is slow so that rapid, high blood levels
are avoided and adverse effects are less likely
The dosage form available are convenient and do not require sterile
technique

Disadvantages:
- rate of absorption varies. This becomes a problem if a small range in
blood level separates a drugs desired therapeutic effect from its toxic
effects
- irritation of mucosal membrane can occur
- patients compliace is not ensured

extensive hepatic metabolism may occur before drug reaches its site of
action . this is known as fist pass effect .passage through liver and
resulting initial hepatic metabolism are avoided y administrating the
drug sublingually

4.ADVANTAGES & DISADANTAGES OF INHALATION ROUTE

Advantages:
-

provides a rapid access to circulation

fastest method used for anesthetic reduces respiration rate, cns effects,
relaxes muscle
used when other routes are not feasible ( unconscious patent)

Disadvantages:
- overdosage , intoxication and may lead to seizures
- respiratory depression
- peripheral vascular resistances
5. FACTORS GOVERNING CHOICE OF ROUTE
-

physical and chemical properties of drug ( solid, gas, slobility,stability,

pH, irritancy)
site of desired action localized and approachable or generalized and not
approachable .
rate and extend of absorption of drugs from different route
effects of digestive juices and first pass metabolism on the drug
rapidity with which the response is desired ( treatment / emergency)
accuracy of dosage required ( intravenously/ inhalation )
condition of patient ( unconscious/ vomiting)