Oral Route
The oral route is the most common and convenient
way of administering drugs. In this route, the medicine is taken by mouth
and passes through the stomach and intestine, where it is absorbed
into the bloodstream. It is suitable for most types of drugs and is widely
used in daily medical practice.
Definition
The oral route of administration involves taking the
drug through the mouth for systemic or local action after swallowing
it. The drug may be in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, powders, or
liquids.
Mechanism
After swallowing, the drug reaches the stomach, then
moves to the small intestine, where it gets absorbed into the blood
circulation. From there, it is carried to different body parts to show its therapeutic
effect. Some drugs are also partially absorbed in the stomach itself.
Forms Used
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Powders
and granules
- Syrups
and solutions
- Suspensions
and elixirs
Advantages
- Most
convenient and simple method of administration.
- Safe
and non-invasive, does not require special equipment.
- Economical
and easy to store and carry.
- Suitable
for self-administration, no medical assistance needed.
- Wide
variety of dosage forms available.
- Good
patient compliance, especially for long-term use.
Disadvantages
- Slow
onset of action compared to injections.
- Not
suitable for emergencies where immediate action is needed.
- Cannot
be used in unconscious or vomiting patients.
- Drug
destruction may occur due to stomach acid or digestive enzymes.
- First-pass
metabolism in the liver may reduce drug effectiveness.
- Absorption
can be affected by food, pH, or other drugs.
Examples
- Paracetamol
tablets – used as pain reliever and fever reducer.
- Amoxicillin
capsules – for bacterial infections.
- Iron
syrup – for anemia.
- Vitamin
supplements – for nutritional support.
Importance of Oral Route
- Most
common and convenient route of drug administration:
Oral route is the easiest and most widely used method to give medicines.
Example: Tablets like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen are commonly taken by mouth for fever and pain relief. - Allows
safe, simple, and non-invasive drug delivery:
It does not require needles or special medical instruments, making it safer and more comfortable for patients.
Example: Antibiotic capsules can be swallowed easily without causing any pain or tissue damage. - Suitable
for self-administration without medical help:
Patients can take oral medicines on their own without the need for trained healthcare professionals.
Example: Vitamin supplements or antacids are taken daily at home without supervision. - Economical
and easy to store, transport, and use:
Oral dosage forms are cheaper to produce, easy to carry, and have a longer shelf life.
Example: Aspirin tablets can be stored at room temperature and used whenever needed. - Provides
good patient compliance, especially for long-term therapy:
Since oral drugs are easy to take, patients are more likely to follow their treatment properly.
Example: Diabetic patients regularly take Metformin tablets orally for years. - Offers
variety in dosage forms like tablets, capsules, syrups, and powders:
Different oral forms are available for different patient needs and preferences.
Example: Children can take Paracetamol syrup instead of tablets. - Suitable
for systemic as well as local effects in the gastrointestinal tract:
Some drugs act locally in the stomach or intestines, while others are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Example: Antacids act locally to neutralize stomach acid; antibiotics act systemically to kill bacteria. - Ensures
accurate dosing through measured solid or liquid forms:
Each tablet, capsule, or spoonful contains a specific dose, ensuring uniform drug delivery.
Example: 500 mg Paracetamol tablet ensures an exact amount of drug intake every time. - Taste
and appearance can be improved for better patient acceptance:
Flavors, coatings, and colors are added to make medicines more palatable and attractive.
Example: Flavored cough syrups or sugar-coated tablets are easier for children to take. - Ideal
for chronic diseases where regular medication is required:
Oral route is best for long-term treatments that need continuous drug intake.
Example: Blood pressure medicines like Amlodipine are taken orally every day. - Modified-release
tablets can be used for controlled and sustained drug action:
Special formulations release the drug slowly to maintain steady levels in the body.
Example: Sustained-release Theophylline tablets for asthma control. - Has
minimal risk of infection compared to injections:
Since no needles are used, there’s little to no risk of infection or cross-contamination.
Example: Oral painkillers are safer than injectable ones for home use.
