Parenteral

From Ganfyd

Parenterally simply means via a route not involving the gastrointestinal tract. The parenteral route is required in a number of situations:

• Immediate effect required
  • e.g. i.v. analgesia, i.v. diuretics in LVF
• Drug not available or poorly absorbed orally/rectally
  • e.g. certain antibiotics, insulin, heparin
• To attain higher plasma levels
  • esp. antibiotics
• Parenteral route required for efficacy (e.g. vaccinations)
• GI tract not functioning
  • nausea, vomiting, ileus, short bowel syndrome

See also

• Total parenteral nutrition
• Routes of drug administration