Parenteral medication

Parenteral medication is a method of drug administration that involves delivering medications directly into the body, bypassing the digestive system. This can be done through various routes including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injections.

Overview

Parenteral medication is often used when the medication's properties make it unsuitable for oral administration. For example, some drugs are destroyed by the stomach acid and enzymes in the digestive tract, while others may not be absorbed well in the gastrointestinal tract. Parenteral administration can also be used when a rapid onset of action is required, or when the patient is unable to take medications orally.

Routes of administration

There are several routes of administration for parenteral medication, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Intravenous

Intravenous (IV) administration involves injecting the medication directly into a vein. This allows for immediate and complete absorption of the drug, making it the fastest and most reliable method of parenteral administration. However, it also carries the highest risk of complications, including infection and damage to the vein.

Intramuscular

Intramuscular (IM) administration involves injecting the medication into a muscle. This allows for slower, more sustained absorption of the drug compared to IV administration. It is often used for medications that need to be absorbed over a longer period of time.

Subcutaneous

Subcutaneous (SC) administration involves injecting the medication into the layer of fat just beneath the skin. This allows for slower absorption than IM administration, making it suitable for medications that need to be absorbed gradually over a long period of time.

Risks and complications

While parenteral medication can be highly effective, it also carries certain risks and complications. These can include pain at the injection site, infection, damage to tissues and nerves, and allergic reactions. It is therefore important that parenteral medication is administered by a trained healthcare professional.

See also

• Drug administration
• Oral medication
• Topical medication