What are Common Routes of Medication Administration?
Medications can be administered through various routes, each with its own indications and techniques:
Oral: Taken by mouth, often in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids. Intravenous (IV): Delivered directly into the bloodstream via a vein, providing rapid effects. Intramuscular (IM): Injected into a muscle, used for vaccines and certain medications. Subcutaneous: Injected into the tissue layer between the skin and muscle, often for insulin. Topical: Applied on the skin or mucous membranes, such as creams, ointments, or patches. Inhalation: Breathed in through the respiratory tract, commonly used for respiratory conditions.
