ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION PHAR 127 SUBCUTANEOUS Definition injection

ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION PHAR 127

SUBCUTANEOUS Definition: injection just under the skin How: use syringe or other device with short, fine needle (27 -30 g x ¼-1/8”) Speed: S…. l…. o…. w…. e…. s…. t Absorption: Least Drawbacks: Limited volume (less than 2 m. L)

INTRAMUSCULAR Definition: Injection into large muscle mass How: Syringe and semi-fine, LONG needle (2325 g x 1 ½”) Speed: Medium- faster than oral or SQ � Extended release formulations available

IM CONTINUED Drawbacks: �Painful! �Limited volume (usually less than 4 m. L) �Erratic/incomplete absorption �Difficult to reverse!

INTRAVENOUS Definition: Injection directly into the vein How: Using syringe or other device with varying size/gauge Speed: FASTEST!

INTRAVENOUS (CONTINUED) Options: �Administration times- push, continuous, intermittent �No limitation on volume Drawbacks: �Potentially painful �Quick onset of adverse reactions

EPIDURAL/INTRATHECAL Definition: injection into the space around the spinal cord How: Syringe or other device with flexible catheter Speed: Like IV Drawbacks: �Critical Area! �Only PF products! �Filtering!

PROBLEMS Bypassing the body’s natural defense! Introduction of bacteria or other contaminants Air embolus Bleeding Phlebitis Logistics Cost

SUMMARY Definitions Speed Limitations Cautions Problems