Structural Biochemistry/Parenteral

Definition

Parenteral drug administration is any non-oral means of having the drugs administrated into the body. Intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous are the most used forms of drug administration.

Advantages

Some advantages with parenteral drug administration are that it can be used for drugs that are poorly absorbed by the body or ineffective when given orally.

Disadvantages

This method of drug administration tends to be expensive due to the amount of equipment required, as well as a more painful experience for the patient. Thus, competent practitioners are recommended. Other risks with parenteral administration are that any errors during the technique of administering the drug may lead to physical harm to the body or adverse drug absorption in the body.

References

Martin, Shepherd. "Administration of drugs 3: parenteral" (2011): n. page. Print.