THE INHALATION ROUTE OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION

DRUG ADMINISTRATION BY THE INHALATION ROUTE

    Drug administration through inhalation route is the term used when the drug is administered through the air particles which is to be delivered by proper aerosol device. By this route the drug is to be inhaled;then it is subjected to be absorbed into the human body and flows into the lungs.          

     The drugs are usually administered by inhalation through the nose or mouth. They produce both local effect as well as systemic effect. This route is most commonly used for the treatment of the respiratory problem such as asthma. In this case of inhalation route, drugs are delivered directly to the site of action i.e. lungs. 

Inhalation route of drug administration

     The term is used when the medication is to be used administered through the respiration system. The drug is most commonly available in the various form like gas, vapor, powder.

     In such route the drug is administered by three type of route i.e.

• Vaporization- Drug administered by this process is subjected to be changed from the formation of liquid or solid to the gaseous form or vapor with the help of heat e.g.-in case of steam inhalation. 
• Gas inhalation- In this process drug is administered directly in the gaseous form. It should not be used in anesthetic patient.
• Nebulization- The fine spray of drugs is to be administered by the formation of compressed gas.  

     In such route the drugs are to be taken through a variety of dosage forms consisting the simple inhalations in case of volatile ingredients such as menthol, the sophisticated inhaler or aerosol devices. 
    The major advantage of the inhaled route of drug administration is that the dose of the drug requirement to provide the desired effect is relatively smaller which is not resembling to the oral route of drug absorption. The onset of action is very fast. Because the blood flows directly to the lungs and their large surface area. It is also used to provide the systemic action.