Final answer:
Pharmacokinetics concerns the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs, with IM injection being a method used when oral absorption is poor or when a rapid effect is needed. Determining the right dosage involves considering patient mass, organ function, and balancing therapeutic levels with side effect risks. Side effects vary and can be influenced by individual patient factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
In dealing with pharmacokinetics and routes of administration, it is critical to understand how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body. The intramuscular (IM) injection is a common method used when a drug is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or when higher plasma levels are required quickly. Factors like drug concentration in plasma over time and how quickly peak concentration is reached are significant when considering the route of administration for treating infections.
When determining the dosage of a drug, health professionals must consider several factors, including the patient's mass (especially in children), liver and kidney function, the potential for allergic reactions, and side effects. There's a balance to strike between minimizing side effects and achieving clinical efficacy. For instance, plasma levels achieved by intravenous administration are typically higher than those achieved through oral or IM routes, which may influence the decision for route selection.
Factors to consider when determining dosage
- Patient's body mass (especially in children)
- Liver and kidney function
- The balance between therapeutic drug levels and toxicity
- Route of administration
- Hypersensitivity or allergy potential
Typical side effects associated with drugs can range from mild to severe and include nausea, headache, dizziness, or more severe responses like allergic reactions. The predisposition to these side effects can be influenced by the patient's age, medical history, concurrent medications, and individual metabolism.