Routes of administration
Gemma Quartermaine
Learning objectives
• To identify at least 4 routes of administration
• To discuss 2 pros and 2 cons for oral, IV,
IM and SC routes
What do you know?
• Can you name any routes of administration?
*Hands up*
Oral
• Administered via the mouth
• Examples?
• Pros
– No risk of infection
– Appropriate for long term usage
• Cons
– Slow absorption
– Medicated feed must be fully consumed
• What else needs to be considered?
Intravenous (IV)
• Directly into blood circulation
• Examples?
• Pros
– 100% absorption
– Fastest administration
• Cons
– Requires restraint
– Can be painful
Intramuscular (IM)
• Directly into muscle
• Examples?
• Pros
– 2 nd fastest route into blood circulation
– Good absorption
• Cons
– Muscle damage possible
– Risk of infection
Subcutaneous
• Under the cutaneous layer of the skin
• Examples?
• Pros
– Can be used for large volumes
– Can teach owners this route for home administration
• Cons
– Absorption is slower than other injectable routes
– Risk of infection
Task
• Research the name of 1 example of drug used in veterinary medicine for each route of administration
Learning objectives
• To identify at least 4 routes of administration
• To discuss 2 pros and 2 cons for oral, IV,
IM and SC routes
