Which route involves applying a drug to the skin or mucous membranes?

Which route involves applying a drug to the skin or mucous membranes?

• A. Topical route
• B. Transdermal route
• C. Inhalation route
• D. Nasal route

Answer: (A)

Topical administration means placing the medication directly on surface tissues such as the skin or mucous membranes. This route is used when the goal is local relief at the site of application, like a cream on irritated skin or an ointment for eye or vaginal use. Absorption through the skin or mucosa can occur, but it’s usually limited, which is why topical meds are chosen for local rather than systemic effects. The other routes—transdermal for systemic absorption through the skin, and inhalation or nasal for delivery through the respiratory mucosa—work differently. So, applying a drug to the skin or mucous membranes is the topical route.

Topical administration means placing the medication directly on surface tissues such as the skin or mucous membranes. This route is used when the goal is local relief at the site of application, like a cream on irritated skin or an ointment for eye or vaginal use. Absorption through the skin or mucosa can occur, but it’s usually limited, which is why topical meds are chosen for local rather than systemic effects. The other routes—transdermal for systemic absorption through the skin, and inhalation or nasal for delivery through the respiratory mucosa—work differently. So, applying a drug to the skin or mucous membranes is the topical route.