Final answer:
The administration of drugs includes considering the route, dosage, and patient specifics such as body mass and organ function to ensure effectiveness and minimize adverse reactions. Pharmacovigilance post-approval is crucial for assessing long-term safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The route of administration of a drug is a critical aspect of its therapy, influencing both the pharmacokinetics and tolerability of the medication. Oral administration is often preferred due to its convenience, but in cases where drugs are not easily absorbed through the GI tract or when higher plasma levels are required quickly, parenteral routes such as intravenous or intramuscular injections are favored. Dosage must be carefully determined, taking into account factors such as patient mass (especially in children), liver and kidney function, and potential side effects. Additionally, the delivery method for drugs can be via inhalation for anesthetics or as topical preparations for treating superficial skin infections.
Adverse reactions, including allergic responses and toxicity, are possible and can vary based on the drug class and individual patient characteristics. Ongoing pharmacovigilance is essential to monitor long-term safety and effects in specific patient subgroups, especially after a drug has been approved and is widely used.