Final answer:
The parenteral route includes intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injections and is used when drugs need to bypass the GI tract or when a rapid effect is required, such as in systemic infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The parenteral route of drug administration refers to methods of introduction that bypass the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injections. In cases where a drug is not easily absorbed by the GI tract or when a rapid effect is needed, such as in the treatment of systemic infections, parenteral administration is preferred. Choices like intravenous administration can result in higher plasma levels quickly compared to oral or intramuscular routes. This is particularly significant when treating infections, as achieving a high concentration of the drug in the bloodstream can be crucial for effective therapy.
Choosing a convenience for home administration in the context of antimicrobial treatment, oral administration is typically preferred due to ease of use by the patient. However, when oral administration is not possible or effective, other parenteral methods, which often require assistance from healthcare professionals, may be employed. This could include injections for dose-dependent antimicrobials or controlled drug delivery systems like catheters, which are used for chemotherapy drugs.