Drug Information Database - Route of Administration

The route of administration refers to the way in which a medication or substance is taken or used, for example, tablets, injections or creams. Always check your medication according to the route of administration as its status may change according to how the medication is used.

 The information below should be used as a guide only. If you are unsure about the route of administration, check with your doctor. 

Oral Preparations: E.g. tablets, capsules and syrups are called ‘ORAL' or ‘SYSTEMIC' preparations that are taken through the mouth and go directly into your system. 

Topical Preparations (excluding Dermatological): E.g. drops, sprays (eye, ear, nasal) and nasal inhalers are called ‘Topical' preparations because they affect only the area to which they are applied. 

Dermatological Preparations: E.g. creams, ointments and gels that are applied externally to treat a dermatological (skin) condition. 

Rectal Preparations: E.g. suppositories are called ‘RECTAL' or ‘SYSTEMIC' preparations and are systemic because they are applied in the rectum and go directly into your system. 

Local or intra-articular injections: These types of injections are called ‘TOPICAL' preparations because they affect only the area to which they are applied. 

Intra muscular or intravenous injections: These are injections that are considered ‘SYSTEMIC' preparations that are administered to the muscle or the vein and go directly into the system.