Drug administration

Drug
A drug is a substance that has the potential to modify the physiological or psychological functions of an organism.

It can be any chemical compound, naturally occurring or synthesized, that is used for medicinal, recreational, or other purposes.
Improper or excessive use of drugs can lead to adverse effects, addiction, and other health risks.

Medicine
Medicines are substances that are specifically formulated and used to diagnose, prevent, treat, or alleviate the symptoms of diseases, medical conditions, or injuries.
Medicines are designed to interact with the body’s physiological processes to restore or maintain health.

(Medicines can be derived from natural sources, such as plants, animals, or minerals, or they can be synthesized in laboratories through chemical processes).

Note :- All medicines are drugs but all drugs are not medicines.

Role of nurse in drug administration :
The role of nurse in the administration of medication has become increasingly complex and diversified.
Administration of correct medication and dosage by the specified route, using proper technique and taking appropriate precautions. Besides administrating medication, a nurse has to observe and interpret the client’s response to therapy, so as to recognise possible incompatibilities and interactions of medication.

Abbreviations

In case of eye drop / ear drops :
Follow DSU method
D – right
S – left
U – both right and left.

Routes of drug administration
A. Non parental route

1. Oral route
   subtypes –

• sublingual route – under the tongue
• Buccal route – between gums and mucous membrane

1. Inhalation (pulmonary route)
2. Topical route / Inunction / topical application / dermatological route – rubbed onto the skin (e.g., ointment)
3. Instillation – dropping liquid drops into a cavity
4. Insertion – implantation of drug into body cavities
5. Insufflation – blowing gas, vapour or powder into cavity or wounds.
6. Implantation

B. Parenteral route

1. Intra venous injection – into veins
2. Intra muscular injection – into muscles
3. Subcutaneous injection – into subcutaneous tissue
4. Intra dermal injection – under epidermis layer
5. Intra arterial injection – into arteries
6. Intra cardiac injection – into heart tissue
7. Intra peritoneal injection – into peritoneal cavity
8. Intra spinal injection – into spinal canal
9. Intra osseous injection – into bones
10. Intra articular injection – into joints.