Final answer:
Oral administration is often the most economical and convenient for home use of antimicrobials treating systemic infections, but parenteral routes may be necessary for drugs with poor GI absorption or when higher plasma levels need to be achieved quickly.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the administration of an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection for home administration, the most economically convenient route is typically oral administration. This route is generally preferred for its ease of use and ability for patients to self-administer the medication at home. However, some drugs have poor absorption from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or are intended to treat conditions of the GI tract, making other routes such as topical or parenteral (which includes intravenous and intramuscular injections) more appropriate. Inhalational administration is often used for anesthesia or respiratory treatments and is less common for systemic infections.
Parenteral administration, notably intravenous, is often required for medications that are not absorbed well in the GI tract, achieving higher plasma levels quickly. This is typically performed in healthcare settings rather than at home due to the skill required for administration. However, developments in drug delivery technology may offer more convenient parenteral options in the future.
Ultimately, the most appropriate and convenient route of administration depends on the specific drug, its form, the intended site of action, absorption rates, patient convenience, potential side effects, and whether at-home administration is feasible. Oral administration is often the first choice due to its convenience, but parenteral routes may be necessary for certain drugs and conditions.