| A | B |
|---|
| Intravenous | This type of administration avoids the process of absorption, given when immediate effect is desired, in emergency situations and when large volumes need to be administered, e.g. IV infusions. The fastest route. |
| Intradermal | A drug or substance is injected into the dermis (outer layer of skin) using a fine needle. |
| Topical | For local effects on skin and mucous membrane of eye, ear, nose, mouth. |
| Vaginal | Medication given into the vagina. |
| Distribution | How the drug gets to where it needs to go? |
| Metabolism/Biotransformation | How the drug makes changes? |
| Excretion | How the drug gets out? |
| Absorption | The movement of the drug from the site of administration, through tissues, and into the bloodstream. |
| PO | Safest and most convenient route, but slowest absorption especially after a big meal. |
| Sublingual | Given under the tongue into a mucus membrane. |
| Buccal | Given in the cheek into a mucus membrane. |
| Rectal | This route is used when patients are unable to take oral medications and the parenteral route is not indicated, also for local effects. Suppositories are often given by this route. |
| Transdermal | Medication is absorbed through the skin. |
| Subcutaneous | Medication is absorbed though the fatty tissue. |
| Intramuscular | Medication is given through a needle into the muscle. |
| Inhalation | For local effects within respiratory tract. |
