Overview
This lecture covers the main routes of medication administration, their advantages, disadvantages, and considerations for selecting the best method for patients.
Oral (Per Os/PO) Route
- Oral administration involves swallowing pills or liquids.
- Advantages: safe, convenient, easy to store, cost-effective, with options for immediate or extended release.
- Disadvantages: not suitable for children, elderly, unconscious, ventilated, or those with digestive issues.
- Oral medications generally have slower absorption and distribution.
Sublingual and Buccal Routes
- Sublingual administration: tablet placed under the tongue, absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
- Buccal administration: tablet or lozenge placed between gum and cheek, absorbed through mucous membranes.
- Both routes bypass the digestive system for quicker absorption and relief.
Transdermal Route
- Medication applied through the skin, typically via a patch.
- Delivers drugs directly to the bloodstream, with some patches controlling the delivery rate.
- Useful for maintaining consistent medication levels over time.
Inhalation and Nasal Routes
- Inhalation: breathing medication into the lungs through the mouth; provides rapid relief, especially for lung conditions like asthma.
- Nasal administration: medication inhaled through the nose for local or systemic effects, useful for symptoms like nasal congestion.
Choosing a Route
- Selection depends on medication type, desired absorption speed, patient condition, and convenience.
- Healthcare provider consultation is advised for choosing the best administration route.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Oral (PO, Per Os) — medication taken by mouth and swallowed.
- Sublingual — medication placed under the tongue for direct absorption.
- Buccal — medication placed between gum and cheek for absorption.
- Transdermal — medication delivered through the skin via a patch.
- Inhalation — medication breathed into the lungs.
- Nasal Administration — medication inhaled through the nose.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review patient cases to determine appropriate medication routes.
- Consult healthcare providers for route selection recommendations.