R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N

A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Oral
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Inappropriate for client with

Most convenient nausea and vomiting
May be unpleasant taste or
Usually least odor
Inappropriate if cannot swallow
expensive or unconscious
Safe, does not Cannot be used for certain
diagnostic test or surgical
break skin barrier procedure
May discolor teeth, harm tooth
Administration enamel
does not cause May irritate gastric mucosa
May be aspirated by seriously ill
stress clients
 R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Sublingual

DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES

Same with oral If swallowed, may be

inactivated by gastric
Can be used for juice
local effect Drug must remain
Can be rapidly under the tongue
until dissolved and
absorbed
absorbed
Ensures greater
potency
 R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Rectal
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

For drugs with Unpredictable absorption

objectionable
taste or odor
Drug release at
slow, steady rate
 R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Vaginal

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Provides local Limited use

therapeutic
effect
 R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Topical
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Provides local May be messy and soil

cloth
therapeutic
Rapidly enter the body
effect through abrasions and
cause systemic effects
 R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Transdermal

DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES

Prolonged Leaves residue on

systemic effect skin which may soil
Few side effects clothes
Avoids GI
absorption
problems
 R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Subcutaneous

DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES

Must be sterile
technique
Onset of action is
More expensive than
faster than oral
oral
Can administer only in
small volume
Slower than
intramuscular injection
May irritate tissue and
cause pain
Can be anxiety
producing
 R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Intramuscular

DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES

Minimal irritation
of drug Breaks skin barrier
Can administer Can be anxiety
larger volume than producing
subcutaneous
tissue
Drug is rapidly
absorbed
 R O U T E S O F M E D I C A T I O N
A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

Intradermal

DISADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES

Minimal irritation Breaks skin barrier

of drug Can be anxiety
Can administer producing
larger volume than
subcutaneous
tissue
Drug is rapidly
absorbed