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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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