Rx Note

Introduction Drugs can be given rectally in solution, suppository or emulsion form. Indications This route of drug administration is Generally for local effect rather than systemic effects. Such as constipation , anal fissures and haemorrhoids . Indicated for drugs inactivated by the gastrointestinal fluids or liver when given orally [ bypassing first-past (presystemic) metabolism ] Indicated when the oral route is precluded , for example when a patient is vomiting or unconscious (i.e. when the patient is unable to swallow). Disadvantages The rectal route is inconvenient . Can affect patient compliance especially for chronic ailments because of privacy and cultural aspects. Drug absorption is often irregular and difficult to predict. It depends on the positioning of the dosage form in the rectal cavity and on interpatient variations in rectal content. How to Use

Introduction The absorption pattern of drugs differs considerably between individual drug substances, as well as between the different administration routes. A medication administration route is often classified by the location at which the drug is administered, such as oral or intravenous. The choices of routes in which the medication is given depends not only on the convenience and compliance, but also on the drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic. The right route of administration and dosage form is selected to maximise outcome of treatment. To illustrate, 32 years old epileptic male with fever and infection on nasogastric feeds , prescribed with phenytoin 300 mg daily. Which dose form do you choose (capsules, suspensions or injections) and why? 48 years old patient with osteomyelitis, microbiological culture positive for the bacteria Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Which dose form do you choose (IV or oral) and why? 4 years old boy diagnosed with bron...