| Intravenous (iv) |
Provides direct access
to the bloodstream, ensuring a rapid
onset of action. |
Invasive method which requires a skilled
healthcare professional. |
| Avoidance of first-pass
metabolism results in high bioavailability. |
Potential
for infection at the injection site. |
| Precise
dosing due to direct delivery into the systemic circulation. |
May cause undesirable immune reaction. |
| Oral |
Noninvasive. |
Subject
to first-pass metabolism, reducing bioavailability. |
| Convenient and promotes better patient compliance. |
Absorption can be inconsistent due to factors such as gastrointestinal
pH and enzymatic activity. |
| Cost effective. |
|
| Transdermal |
Noninvasive. |
Limited permeability. |
| Allows for sustained and controlled release over an extended
period. |
May cause enzymatic deterioration. |
| Prevents deterioration of drug due to gastrointestinal
interaction. |
|
| Inhalation |
Direct pulmonary delivery. |
Ensuring optimal particle size for deep lung penetration can
be challenging. |
| Quick absorption, due to
the large surface area of the lungs. |
May cause irritation
in the respiratory tract. |
| Intramuscular
(im)/Subcutaneous (sc) |
Allows for controlled release,
especially with sustained-release
formulations. |
Requires a healthcare professional for
administration. |
| Bypasses first-pass metabolism
to some extent, enhancing bioavailability. |
May cause
local reactions at the injection site. |
| Intraperitoneal (ip) |
The peritoneal cavity
provides a large surface area for drug
absorption. |
Requires a skilled healthcare professional
for administration. |
| Bypasses first-pass metabolism,
leading to increased bioavailability. |
Potential for
infection at the injection site. |
| Intranasal |
Noninvasive. |
Restricted to
small drug volumes due to nasal cavity constraints. |
| Rapid absorption due to the rich blood supply in the nasal
mucosa. |
Absorption may vary among individuals. |
| Prevents interaction with gastrointestinal tract. |
Intolerance in nasal mucosa. |
| Intrathecal/Intraventricular |
Direct drug
delivery to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for CNS
disorders. |
Invasive, involves injection into the spinal
canal or brain
ventricles, requiring expertise. |
| Bypasses
the blood–brain barrier, enhancing drug access
to the CNS. |
Carries a risk of infection and potential
neurological complications. |
| Rectal |
Bypasses first-pass metabolism, improving bioavailability. |
Absorption may be variable and dependent on rectal conditions. |
| Absence of enzymes helps in avoiding enzymatic degradation. |
Patient acceptance may be lower due to the nature of administration
route. |
| Administered rectally, offering a
noninvasive alternative. |
|
| Ocular |
Allows for targeted drug delivery
to the eyes for ocular conditions. |
Limited volume capacity
in the eye for drug administration. |
| Minimizes
systemic exposure, reducing potential side effects. |
Some formulations may cause eye irritation. |
| Vaginal |
Targeted delivery for gynecological
conditions, minimizing
systemic exposure. |
Absorption may vary among individuals. |
| Bypasses first-pass metabolism for improved bioavailability. |
May cause local irritation in the vaginal mucosa. |
