Flashcards in Prescribing by different routes Deck (16):
1
When deciding how to administer a drug, what factors should you consider?
Bioavailability, desired peak-trough levels, release time, availability/tolerability of route, contraindications and risks.
2
When would you consider using IV administration of a drug?
100% bioavailability; better to be given in circumstances where regular, smaller doses can be administered, such as in a hospital setting
3
How much liquid can you give via subcutaneous injection per day?
48ml/24hr
4
Which mode of administration is contraindicated in haemophilia?
Intramuscular injection
5
When might you consider administering a drug via an intramuscular route?
entry of small volume with fast entry into the systemic circulation
6
Why may hyaluronidase be used alongside an intramuscular injection?
Allows breakdown of the ECM to increase the rate of diffusion (uptake)
7
What is meant by 'intrathecal' adminstration?
Injection into the dura mater around the spinal cord
8
When may you administer a drug intrathecally?
Injection into the dura mater around the spinal cord may be used for single-dose analgesia e.g. Baclofen for spasiticity
9
What complication may occur with intrathecal drug administration?
Respiratory depression
10
What is meant by an 'epidural'?
Where an injection of a drug is given just above the dura mater of the spinal cord
11
Why may you choose to administer a drug epidurals rather than intrathecally?
Epidural - a large volume can be administered by this method by comparison, and there is the potential to insert an in-dwelling catheter to allow for drug top-up
12
Describe the intranasal route of drug adminstration
Nasal mucosa is highly vascularised; so decongestants can be used in this way, but also systemic drugs e.g. desmopressin etc.
13
When might you consider giving a medication per rectally?
Vomiting/nausea/NBM or IV access is difficult to obtain (e.g. status epilepticus)
14
When may you consider giving a drug buccally or sublingually?
If a drug is unstable at gastric pH or are rapidly metabolised by the liver; oral mucosa facilitates very quick absorption
15
When might you use intraosseous drug administration?
Cardiopulmonary arrest or paediatric resuscitation --> drugs administered into the medullary cavity of the long bones (usually tibia or fibula)
16