Route of Administration

The route of administration refers to the path by which a drug or medicine is taken into the body to produce its desired effect. The choice of route depends on the nature of the drug, the disease being treated, and the condition of the patient. The main goal is to deliver the drug effectively so it reaches the target site in an adequate concentration.

Importance of Choice of Route of Administration

The choice of route of administration is very important because it directly affects how well and how fast a drug works in the body. Selecting the proper route ensures that the drug reaches its target site safely and effectively, with minimal side effects. The choice depends on several factors related to the drug, patient, and desired action.

 

1. To Achieve Desired Effect

Different routes give different speeds and durations of drug action.

• For immediate effect, routes like intravenous (IV) or inhalation are used.
• For slow and prolonged effect, oral or transdermal routes are preferred.
  Thus, the route helps to control onset, intensity, and duration of the drug’s action.

 

2. To Ensure Proper Drug Absorption

Some drugs are destroyed by stomach acid or digestive enzymes and cannot be given orally (e.g., insulin). Such drugs are given by injection or inhalation.
Choosing the correct route ensures the drug is absorbed properly and remains effective.

 

3. To Avoid First-Pass Metabolism

When drugs are taken orally, they pass through the liver before reaching the bloodstream, which can reduce their effectiveness. Routes like sublingual, buccal, rectal, or parenteral avoid this effect and increase bioavailability.

 

4. To Improve Patient Comfort and Compliance

The selected route should be convenient and acceptable for the patient.

• Oral route is easy and painless, preferred for most patients.
• Injections are avoided when possible because they are painful and need trained personnel.
  Choosing a comfortable route ensures patients follow their treatment properly.

 

5. To Suit the Patient’s Condition

Some routes are chosen based on the patient’s health condition.

• Unconscious or vomiting patients cannot take oral drugs — rectal or injectable routes are used.
• Infants or elderly may require liquid or topical forms.
  Hence, the patient’s age, condition, and ability to swallow play an important role.

 

6. To Reduce Side Effects and Toxicity

Local routes (like topical, ocular, or nasal) deliver drugs directly to the affected area, reducing systemic side effects and minimizing toxicity.

 

7. To Ensure Accurate Dose Delivery

Parenteral routes like IV or IM are preferred when precise dose control is needed, especially in emergencies or hospital settings.