Final answer:
The fastest and most effective route of drug administration is intravenous, which provides immediate and high plasma drug levels and is commonly used in healthcare settings. Oral administration is preferred for home treatment due to convenience, while alternative methods like parenteral injections have been improved for certain drugs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fastest and most effective way to deliver a drug into the body is through intravenous administration. This method bypasses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, resulting in immediate and high plasma levels. Intravenous delivery is particularly important in health-care settings, especially for treating infections or when the drug is not easily absorbed by the oral route. When considering the route of administration, various factors must be taken into account, such as the drug's absorption in the GI tract, the patient's condition (e.g., vomiting, intubation), and the desire for convenient home administration. Oral administration is generally preferred for home use due to its convenience, while intravenous and parenteral routes are options for more immediate effects and situations where oral drugs are not effective.
Alternative routes for drug administration, such as parenteral injections and mucosal routes, have also been improved, offering benefits for peptide-based drugs that may not be as effective orally. Moreover, it is crucial to carefully determine the dosage and route of administration to achieve optimal therapeutic levels while minimizing side effects. Liver or kidney dysfunction may affect drug metabolism and clearance, thereby impacting dosage decisions.