routes of administration

Oral

Taken by mouth

Sublingual

Placed under the tongue

Inhalation

Inhaled through the mouth, passes through the trachea into the lungs; inhaled through the nose and absorbed through the nasal mucous membrane

Buccal

Between the cheek and gums resulting in rapid absorption

Ocular or otic

Drops of medication are instilled directly into the eye (ocular) or ear (otic).

Transdermal

Applied to the skin and designed to release slowly and systemically into circulation. Administered in an adhesive patch in a single layer drug, multi-layer drug, drug in resevoir, or drug matrix.

Topical

Applied to the skin or mucous membrane (faster) and acts locally. Administered as creams, ointments, or emulsions. 

Rectal

Inserted into rectum