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Depending
on the drug and its desired effect, there are a variety of
administration methods. Most drugs are administered orally-that
is, through the mouth. Only drugs that will not be destroyed
by the digestive processes of the stomach or intestines can
be given orally. Drugs can also be administered by injection
into a vein (intravenously), which assures quick distribution
through the bloodstream and a rapid effect; under the skin
(subcutaneously) into the tissues, which results in localized
action at a particular site as with local anesthetics; or
into a muscle (intramuscularly), which enables rapid absorption
through the many blood vessels found in muscles. An intramuscular
injection may also be given as a depot preparation, in which
the drug is combined with other substances so that it is slowly
released into the blood.
Inhaled drugs are designed to act in the nose or lungs. General
anesthetics may be given through inhalation. Some drugs are
administered through drug-filled patches that stick to the
skin. The drug is slowly released from the patch and enters
the body through the skin. Drugs may be administered topically-that
is, applied directly to the skin; or rectally-absorbed through
an enema (an injection of liquid into the rectum) or a rectal
suppository (a pellet of medication that melts when inserted
in the rectum).
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