parenteral administration

pharmacology

Also known as: parenteral dosage

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Parenteral administration refers to administering drugs through routes other than the gastrointestinal tract. This bypasses the digestive system, allowing for more predictable and rapid drug absorption into the bloodstream.1

Common parenteral routes include:
* Intravenous (into a vein)
* Subcutaneous (under the skin)
* Intramuscular (into muscle)
* Inhalation (through the lungs)
* Percutaneous (through the skin)1

Parenteral dosage forms, such as solutions and suspensions, must be sterile to prevent infection. This method is crucial when a drug cannot be effectively absorbed orally or when a rapid therapeutic effect is needed.21

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drug
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
…two general methods: enteral and parenteral administration. Enteral administration involves the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines (i.e., the gastrointestinal tract). Methods of administration include oral, sublingual (dissolving the drug under the tongue), and rectal. Parenteral routes, which do not involve the gastrointestinal tract, include intravenous
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…two general methods: enteral and parenteral administration. Enteral administration involves the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines (i.e., the gastrointestinal tract). Methods of administration include oral, sublingual (dissolving the drug under the tongue), and rectal. Parenteral routes, which do not involve the gastrointestinal tract, include intravenous
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pharmaceutical industry
Parenteral dosage forms
Parenteral dosage forms are intended for administration as an injection or infusion. Common injection types are intravenous (into a vein), subcutaneous (under the skin), and intramuscular (into muscle). Infusions typically are given by intravenous route. Parenteral dosage forms
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Parenteral dosage forms are intended for administration as an injection or infusion. Common injection types are intravenous (into a vein), subcutaneous (under the skin), and intramuscular (into muscle). Infusions typically are given by intravenous route. Parenteral dosage forms
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poison
Importance to humans
…sometimes death by means of parenteral contact (i.e., by bringing poisons into the body other than through the digestive tract) constitute environmental hazards. Biotoxic agents may produce their injurious effects by becoming involved in the food supply; ingestion of a poisonous microbial organism, plant, or marine animal or one of…
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…sometimes death by means of parenteral contact (i.e., by bringing poisons into the body other than through the digestive tract) constitute environmental hazards. Biotoxic agents may produce their injurious effects by becoming involved in the food supply; ingestion of a poisonous microbial organism, plant, or marine animal or one of…
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