Dosage Forms / Routes of Administration
Common dosage formsEnteral medications are given orally and pass through the GI tract to be absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized by the liver. This includes oral, naso-gastric, and rectal routes. Parenteral medications are injected or placed into the body tissues and do not pass through the liver before entering the bloodstream. This can include injections, topical and inhalation routes. Generally in pharmacy, parenteral refers to injection. Topical and inhalation routes are separated into their own routes of administration. Injectable drugs are usually in the form of solutions or powders, which are mixed with a sterile diluent to render an injectable solution. Inhalation routes of administration are inhaled through the mouth or the nose and usually act directly on the respiratory system before entering into the bloodstream. They are often used to treat respiratory diseases, but gases are inhaled for general anesthesia as well. Topical dosages are applied to the skin surface or a mucous membrane. Dosage Form Table:
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These are not all of the Dosage Forms used in modern medical practice, but a brief list of the most common seen by pharmacy technicians. The routes of administration here are the more common forms and should be memorized to prepare for the pharmacy tech test. Where would you like to go now? Dosage Calculations Top 100 Drugs Free Practice Exams Site Map Dosage Forms - Top of Page |