Routes Of Drug Administration

Presented By :- Dr. Hemanta Chaudhary

MD Resident
Dept. of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
BPKIHS
 Definition

• A route of administration in pharmacology and toxicology is the path

by which a drug, fluid, poison, or other substance is administered into
the body. 
 Factors Governing Choice Of Route
1. Physical and chemical properties of drugs

2. Site of desired actions

3. Rate and extent of absorption of drugs from different routes

4. Effect of digestive juice and first pass metabolism of drugs

5. Rapidity with which response is required

6. Accuracy of dosage required

7. Condition of the patient

 Classification

Routes

Local Systemic

Intra- Intratheca
Topical Enteral Parenteral
articular l
 Dermojet

Subcutaneous Pellet Implant

Biodegradable
Implants
Intravenous Sialistic
Parenteral
Non
biodegradable
Intramuscular

Transdermal

Nasal

Inhalational
 Examples
• Oral :- Paracetamol, Propranolol, Amlodipine, Etc.

• Sublingual :- Nitroglycerine, Isosorbide, Nifedipine, Etc.

• Transdermal :- Nicotine, Fentanyl, Etc.

• Nasal :- Oxymethazoline, Desmopressin Etc.

• Inhalation :- Salbutamol, Ipratropium bromide, Etc.

• Rectal :- Diazepam, Enema, Etc.

First- Pass Effects
 Topical Route
• It is the application of drugs directly to the surface of skin.

• Includes administration of drugs to any mucous membrane

- Eye - Vagina

- Nose -Urethra

- Ears -Anal

- Lungs
 Topical dosage forms
• SKIN Eye or Ear

- Creams - Solutions

- Ointments - Suspensions

- Lotions - Ointments

- Gels Nose & Lungs

- Transdermal patch -Sprays & Powders

 Intra-Articular Route
• Injection of antibiotics and corticosteroids are administered in
inflamed joint cavities by experts.

• Example- hydrocortisone acetate in rheumatoid arthritis.

 Intra-Thecal Route
• Injection of drugs into the spinal canal or into the subarachnoid space
so that it reaches the cerebrospinal fluid.

• Useful in spinal anaesthesia, chemotherapy or pain management

applications.
 Oral Route
• Oral refers to swallowing for absorption along the gastrointestinal tract into
systemic circulation.

• Advantages-

1. Convenient:- self- administered, painless

2. Absorption- along whole length of GIT.

3. Cheap- Compared to other parenteral routes.

• Disadvantages-

1. Sometimes inefficient-only part of the drug may be absorbed.

2. First pass effect-Drugs absorbed orally are initially transported to the liver
via the portal vein.

3. Irritation to gastric mucosa-nausea and vomiting.

4. Destruction of drugs by gastric acid and digestive juices.

5. Effect too slow for emergencies.

6. Unpleasant taste of some drugs.

7. Unable to use in unconscious patients.

 Buccal mucosa
• Buccal administration is where the dosage form is placed between
gums and inner lining of the cheek(buccal pouch);absorbed by buccal
mucosa.

• Advantages-

1. Avoid first pass effect

2. Rapid absorption

3. Drug stability
• Disadvantages-

1. Inconvenience

2. Advantages lost if swallowed.

3. Small dose limit.

Buccal route
 Sublingual Route
• It is where the dosage form is placed under the tongue; rapidly absorbed
by sublingual mucosa.

• Advantages-

1.Economical

2.Quick Termination

3.First-Pass Avoided

4.Drug Absorption is quick.

• Disadvantages

1.Unpalatable and bitter drugs.

2.Irritation of oral mucosa.

3.Large quantities not given.

4.Few drugs are absorbed.

Sublingual
route
 Rectal Route
• Advantages-

1. Used in children.

2. Little or no first-pass effect.

3. Higher concentration rapidly achieved.

Disadvantages-

4. Inconvenient.

5. Absorption is slow and erratic.

6. Irritation/Inflammation of rectal mucosa can occur.

 Intravenous Route
• Advantages-

1. Bioavailability 100%

2. Desired blood concentration achieved

3. Large quantities

4. Emergency situations

5. First pass avoided

• Disadvantages-

1. Irritation & Cellulitis

2. Thrombophlebitis

3. Assistance required

4. Expensive

5. Less convenient & painful.

 Intramuscular Route
• Advantages-

1. Absorption reasonably uniform.

2. Rapid onset of action.

3. Mild irritants can be given.

4. First pass avoided.

5. Gastric factors can be avoided.

• Disadvantages-

1. Only up to 10 ml drug can be given.

2. Local pain and abscess.

3. Infection.

4. Nerve damage.
 Intra-Arterial Route
• Rarely used

• Anticancer drugs are given for localized effects.

• Drugs used for diagnosis of peripheral vascular diseases, angiography.

Intra-arterial route
 Intradermal Route
• Drug is given within skin layers(dermis)

• Painful

• Mainly used for sensitivity testing to drugs.

• Examples- Penicillin, BCG vaccine, etc.

 Transdermal Route
• Absorption of drug through skin (systemic action)

1. Stable blood levels.

2. No first pass metabolism

3. Offers steady level of drugs in the system

Transdermal route
Inhalational route
Intranasal route
Subcutaneous route
Thank you