Pharmacology - Types of action, route

therapeutic

the expected response to a medication i.e., Panadol results in pain relief

side effect

expected but not intended, less serious i.e., tramadol/morphine may cause nausea

adverse effect

unintended, undesirable, more serious i.e., metoclopramide results in dystonic reaction

toxic

may develop after prolonged intake, very serious i.e., overdose of IV local anaesthetic

allergic

unpredictable sudden response, may be mild like urticaria, rash, pruritus, rhinitis or severe anaphylaxis i.e., induction agents

oral

given via mouth and swallowed, has slower rate of action

parenteral

injection, can be subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intraosseous

sublingual

placed under the tongue

buccal

placed under top cheek between gum and cheek until dissolves

inhaled

breathed in

topical

applied to skin & mucous membranes