Apart from being drunk, what are the other methods of administration of drugs? : function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Various ways of giving drugs

The mode of administration of drugs is differentiated based on three main factors. These factors include the parts of the body that need to be treated, drug reactions in the body, and drug content.

For example, there are certain drugs that will be destroyed by stomach acid if taken directly. This type of drug will usually be given by injection to avoid these effects.

To find out more clearly, here are the various ways of giving drugs:

1. Drink directly (orally)

Taking medication orally is generally intended for liquid medicine, tablets, capsules, or chewable tablets.

This is the most common way of administering drugs because it is much easier, safer and cheaper than other methods.

After drinking, the drug will be absorbed by the intestinal wall. This process can be affected by the food and other medicines you take.

The drug that has been absorbed is then broken down by the liver before being circulated by the blood throughout the body.

2.Injections (parenteral)

There are several ways of administering drugs using injections. Usually, this method differs from the location of the injection. Some of them:

Subcutaneous. This drug is injected into the fatty tissue just under the skin. This drug then enters the small blood vessels (capillaries) into the bloodstream to be circulated throughout the body. Insulin is one of the most commonly used ways of administering this drug.
Intramuscular. This method is intended for patients who need a larger dose of the drug. The drug is injected directly into the muscle tissue of the upper arm, thigh, or buttock using a large needle.
Intravenous. Often referred to as an infusion, the intravenous way of administering drugs is done by injecting a liquid containing the drug directly into a vein. Medicines can be given in single or continuous doses.
Intrathecal. This method is intended to treat diseases of the brain, spine, and its protective layer. The drug is injected through a needle inserted into the gap between the two lumbar vertebrae.

3. Topical

Topical drugs are a type of drug that is absorbed directly by the surface of the body, especially the skin. Examples of topical medications are ointments, lotions, creams, powders, gels, and patches that are applied to the skin.

Using drugs in the topical way has the advantage, namely that the drug's effect will be felt immediately on the part of the body that needs it.

The risk of side effects is also smaller because the drugs do not pass through other areas of the body directly.

4.Suppositories (rectal)

Suppositories are a type of medicine that is inserted rectally. This type of drug is intended for patients who cannot swallow the drug directly, experience severe nausea, or have to undergo fasting before and after surgery.

Suppositories are solid and contain a waxy substance that breaks down easily once they are in the rectum. The rectum wall consists of a thin surface with many blood vessels so that the drug can be absorbed quickly.

5. Other ways

In addition to the various methods above, you can also use drugs through other methods as needed. For example:

A tablet that is placed under the tongue (sublingual) or on the inside of the cheek (buccal)
A tablet, liquid, gel, cream, or medicine ring that is inserted into the vagina
Liquid eye drops
Liquid ear drops
Drug particles that are inhaled directly or via vapor

The way the medicine is administered has a big effect on your recovery. Make sure that you always take the medicine in the right way and dose to reduce the risk of side effects and other health problems.

Ask your doctor if there are things you don't understand about drug consumption. Do not change the dose or stop use without your doctor's permission or recommendation.