Abstract
• The three routes of drug administration are enteral, parenteral, and topical. • The drug route may produce systemic effects, local effects, or both. • Oral drugs may be available in sustained-release or enteric-coated form to delay onset of action of the drug. • Food, fl uids, and other drugs may alter the absorption of enteric drugs. • The parenteral route avoids the GI tract and the irregularities of absorption, including the fi rst-pass effect. The most common methods of parenteral drug administration are the IM, SC, and IV routes. • Onset of drug action is more rapid with the parenteral than with the enteral route. • Patient characteristics (age, weight, muscle mass) and drug characteristics (volume, viscosity, irritability) are considered when selecting a site for IM drug administration. • Administration of IV drugs may be through continuous drip, intermittent infusion, or IVP methods into peripheral or central venous access devices. IV drugs are normally administered via a pump or controller to maintain a steady, safe rate of drug delivery. • Topical drugs include those that are applied to the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, ears, nose, rectum, and vagina.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Drug Therapy in Nursing |
Publisher | Wolters Kluwer Health Adis (ESP) |
Pages | 29-40 |
Number of pages | 12 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781469819174 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781451187663 |
State | Published - Nov 7 2012 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Nursing