Final answer:
Topical medication administration includes creams applied to the skin or mucous membranes, while transdermal patches deliver medication through the skin into the bloodstream. Oral route is preferred for home use, while parenteral route may be used in healthcare settings for immediate effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Other routes of medication include topical (creams) and transdermal (patches). These methods are crucial for delivering drugs that may not be effectively absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or when oral administration is not possible due to conditions like vomiting or when the patient is using a respirator. Creams and lotions are used for treating a variety of skin conditions or for application to mucous membranes, and they can be pharmaceutically formulated to treat local infections or conditions.
When it comes to home administration of an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection, the oral route is generally preferred for its convenience. However, in the healthcare setting, when immediate and high plasma levels of a drug are necessary, the parenteral route, which involves intravenous or intramuscular injections, might be the preferred method.
Transdermal patches utilize selective permeability of the epidermis to deliver medications directly into the bloodstream, providing an alternative to oral and injectable routes for drugs such as hormones, anti-motion sickness medications, or nicotine for smoking cessation.