Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Drug Administration Routes

There are several different drug administration routes that can be used in healthcare to deliver medications to patients. The most common drug administration routes include:

Oral: This refers to medications that are taken by mouth, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids.

Topical: This refers to medications that are applied to the skin, mucous membranes, or other external surfaces of the body.

Intravenous (IV): This refers to medications that are injected directly into a vein.

Intramuscular (IM): This refers to medications that are injected into a muscle.

Subcutaneous (SC): This refers to medications that are injected just under the skin.

Inhalation: This refers to medications that are inhaled through the nose or mouth, such as asthma inhalers or nebulizers.

The most appropriate drug administration route will depend on the medication being administered and the needs of the patient. Healthcare professionals will consider factors such as the patient’s age, medical history, and the purpose of the medication when deciding on the most appropriate drug administration route.