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Chapter 4
Forms and Routes of Drugs
Objectives
 Define all key terms.
 List the forms in which medications are
distributed.
 Discuss how the different forms of drugs
affect the body.
 List the possible routes for administering
medications.
Objectives
 Describe why prescribers choose certain
forms and routes over others.
 Cite the resource where you can
determine if you are allowed to administer
IV therapy.
Gastrointestinal Route
 Buccal—cheek and mouth
 Sublingual—under tongue
 Oral—swallow
 Rectal—in rectum
Forms for GI Route
 Troches and lozenges
 Capsules
 Effervescent
 Elixirs
 Emulsions
 Powders
 Solutions
 Suspensions
 Syrups
 Tablets
Preferred by Patients
 Cheaper
 More comfortable
 Can time with meals in some cases
Critical Thinking
 Why is the gastrointestinal route so
popular for taking medications?
Parenteral Routes
 Intradermal
 Intramuscular
 Subcutaneous
 Intravenous
 Inhalation
 Nasal
 Ophthalmic
 Otic
 Topical/Transdermal
Injections
 May take effect more quickly
 May cause more discomfort
 Ideal when a patient has nausea or
vomiting
 Chance of infection if not done correctly
Critical Thinking
 Is it professional to tell a child that an
injection will not hurt? Explain.
Transdermal
 More medications available in transdermal
patches today
 Requires rotation of patch sites
 Clear that medication was administered
 Must be on intact skin
 Dosage dependent on entire patch being
used
Critical Thinking
 What would be the effect of cutting a
transdermal patch? Is it advisable?
Forms of Parenteral
 Fluids
 Nebulizer, inhaler
 Drops
 Inserts
 Creams, ointments, jellies, gels, plasters
 Liniments and lotions
 Powders
 Suppositories, IUD
Summary
 What new piece of information in this
chapter were you most interested to
learn?
 What questions do you still have about the
information in this chapter?
 Return to Objectives to determine extent
of learning.
Credits
Publisher: Margaret Biblis
Acquisitions Editor: Andy McPhee
Developmental Editor: Yvonne N. Gillam
Production Manager: Samuel A. Rondinelli
Manager, Electronic Development: Kirk Pedrick
Technical Project Manager, EP: Frank Musick
Design Associate, EP: Sandra Glennie
The publisher is not responsible for errors or omission or for consequences from application of
information in this presentation, and makes no warranty, expressed or implied, in regards to its
content. Any practice described in this presentation should be applied by the reader in accordance
with professional standards of care used with regard to the unique circumstances that may apply in
each situation.