Parenteral

Parenteral is a route of administration that involves any method other than the digestive tract. This can include intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous routes. The term is derived from the Greek words "para," meaning beside, and "enteron," meaning intestine. Parenteral administration is typically used when oral administration is not possible or efficient.

Types of Parenteral Administration

There are several types of parenteral administration, including:

• Intravenous (IV): This is the most common type of parenteral administration. It involves injecting directly into the bloodstream, which allows for immediate and complete absorption.
• Intramuscular (IM): This involves injecting into a muscle. The drug is then slowly absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Subcutaneous (SC or SQ): This involves injecting under the skin. The drug is then slowly absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Intradermal (ID): This involves injecting into the dermis, just below the epidermis. This method is used for skin testing for allergies and tuberculosis.
• Intraosseous (IO): This involves injecting directly into the marrow of a bone. This method is used when IV access is not available.

Uses

Parenteral administration is used in a variety of medical situations, including:

• When a patient cannot take medications orally due to nausea or vomiting
• When a medication is not effective if taken orally, such as insulin
• When a rapid response is required, such as in an emergency situation
• When a medication needs to be delivered directly to a specific area, such as an epidural for pain relief during childbirth

Risks

While parenteral administration can be very effective, it also carries risks, including:

• Infection: Any time a needle is inserted into the body, there is a risk of infection.
• Air or gas embolism: If air enters the veins, it can cause an embolism.
• Damage to the skin and underlying tissues: This can occur if the needle is not inserted correctly.

See Also

• Drug administration
• Injection (medicine)
• Intravenous therapy
• Intramuscular injection
• Subcutaneous injection

Parenteral Resources
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