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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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