Final answer:
Transdermal patches release medication slowly over a long period and are suitable for long-term systemic treatment at home, whereas oral administration is typically preferred for home use of antimicrobials to treat systemic infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of medication used topically that releases the medication slowly over a long period is a transdermal patch. Unlike pastes, liniments, or ointments that may release medication more quickly and are typically used for localized treatment, a transdermal patch is designed to deliver drugs through the skin and into the bloodstream at a controlled rate. This route of administration is convenient for home use, especially in the case of treating systemic conditions where steady levels of medication are required over time.
In the context of selecting an appropriate route of administration for home use of an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection, the preferred option would be oral administration. Intravenous and parenteral methods are more invasive and typically require medical supervision, while topical administration is not suited for systemic infections.