The subcutaneous route of drug administration is more commonly used than intramuscular administration since it offers several advantages such as simplicity of the injection method however, it has some disadvantages also, let’s check them.
The medicines are only effective when they reach the site of action due to this there are different rout is used for drug administration. Drug administration by parenteral (injection) includes intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous which is the most frequently used injection route in drug administration.
The subcutaneous route is one of the most flexible routes of drug administration, which can be used for short-term as well as long-term treatments. In subcutaneous injection, a small needle is used to inject medicine into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle.
Advantages of the subcutaneous route of drug administration:
- The major advantage of the subcutaneous route of drug administration is that it is a simple and less expensive method.
- The subcutaneous injection can provide long-term effects of the drug as it has slow adsorption.
- Compare to the intravenous and intramuscular route, the subcutaneous injection has less pain.
- It is an effective and widely used method for the treatment of skin infections.
- It is convenient for the patient in comparison to various parenteral administrations, as anytime and anywhere we can self-injected.
- No trained personnel are required, as self-administration is possible.
Disadvantages of the subcutaneous route of drug administration:
- The major disadvantage of the subcutaneous route of drug administration is that it only for the small dosage of drugs.
- Irritating drugs can cause skin damage.
- Subcutaneous injection is a painful method so some patients, especially older ones and children, avoid taking it.
- There is slower drug absorption than the intravenous route.
- The subcutaneous route is more expensive than the oral route of drug administration.
Commonly asked questions on the route of drug administration are as follows.
What are the major routes of drug administration?
Oral, parenteral, sublingual, buccal, rectal, inhalation, topical and transdermal is some of the major routes of drug administration that are commonly used.
What is the advantage of the subcutaneous route over the intravenous route of drug administration?
The major advantage of subcutaneous over the intravenous route is that the subcutaneous can provide a long-term effect which is not possible by the intravenous route it provides a rapid onset of action.
Why are medications given subcutaneously?
The subcutaneous injection can be used to deliver a variety of medications however it is mostly used in the treatment of skin infections, allergy, and diabetes.
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