Medication Administration Routes and Techniques

Oral

Having the pt swallow the drug. Drugs given orally is meant for absorption in the stomach and small intestine. Drug action has a slower onset and a more prolonged but less potent effect compared to other routes.

Enteral route

Administering drug through an enteral tube.

Sublingual administration

Placing drug under tongue (can be rapid).

Buccal administration

Placing drug between cheek and gum (can be rapid).

Enteric coated tablets

Impede absorption until left the stomach so it is released in the small intestine. Can cause irritation if the stomach if you crush or chew.

Sustained-release medications

Should not be chewed or crushed without checking with the prescriber.

Parenteral route

Injecting drug into the body.

Subcutaneous injection

Injection into subcutaneous tissue.

Intramuscular injection

Injection into muscle tissue.

Intradermal injection

Injection into the corium (under epidermis).

Intravenous injection

Injection into a vein.

Intra-arterial injection

Injection into an artery, used for heart caths, nitro, x-ray dye, thrombolytics.

Epidural

Epidural analgesia or anaesthesia or contrast agent is injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord.

Intracardial injection

Injection into heart tissue.

Intraperitoneal injection

Injection into the peritoneal cavity.

Intraspinal injection

Injection into the spinal canal.

Intraosseous injection

Injecting directly into the marrow of a bone, providing a non-collapsible entry point into the systemic venous system.

Intrathecal injection

Injection into the spinal canal or into the subarachnoid space to reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Intraarticular injection

A joint injection used in the treatment of inflammatory joint conditions.

Topical route

Applying drug onto skin or mucous membrane.

Vaginal administration

Administration of drug into the vagina.

Rectal administration

Administration of drug into the rectum.

Inunction

Rubbing drug into skin.

Instillation

Placing drug into direct contact with mucous membrane.

Irrigation

Flushing mucous membrane with drug in solution.

Skin application

Applying transdermal patch.

Pulmonary route

Having patient inhale drug.