Route of administration

Definition

Route of administration refers to the path by which an antimicrobial drug is taken into the body. It influences the drug’s effectiveness, absorption, and distribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common routes of administration include oral, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and topical.
2. The choice of route affects the speed at which a drug reaches its target site.
3. Oral administration is convenient but may be less effective due to first-pass metabolism in the liver.
4. Intravenous administration provides rapid drug action and precise control over blood levels.
5. Certain infections require specific routes of administration for optimal treatment efficacy.

Review Questions

• What are three common routes of antimicrobial drug administration?
• How does intravenous administration differ from oral administration in terms of speed and control?
• Why might certain infections require a specific route of administration?

Related terms

Bioavailability: The proportion of a drug that enters circulation when introduced into the body and can have an active effect.

First-pass metabolism: The process by which a drug's concentration is significantly reduced before it reaches systemic circulation.

Topical application: A route where drugs are applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes for localized effect.