Drug Delivery Systems Key Terms

Medication delivery system types and terms explained

The goal of any type of drug delivery system is to administer medications to specifically targeted areas of the body. This is done through a type of system that controls the administration by either a chemical or a physiological trigger. That trigger helps to release drugs into the body, including capsules, inhalers, skin patches and injectables.

Some common methods of drug delivery include oral, topical (skin), sublingual, vaginal, rectal, ocular and nasal. Read about these drug delivery systems key terms to learn more.

 

Oral drug delivery systems

Within the mouth are mucous membranes which function as a site for the absorption of medications. The medications given using this route penetrate the mucous membranes within the mouth by diffusion and are then carried into the person's systemic circulation by means of the jugular vein.
Try: Informa Healthcare's website has an extensive amount of information about the buccal (oral) administration of medications including absorption and benefits of utilizing this route for oral delivery of medications.

Implantable infusion pumps

An implantable infusion pump is utilized to provide continuous or intermittent long-term medication infusion. The implantable infusion pump provides for continuous infusion of medications at a precise rate to a targeted area or organ. Programmable pumps allow flexible dosing choices including titration over time.
Try: NedaMed provides the most complete and concise information around when it comes to implantable infusion pumps, placement, uses, functions, and options on the market today. The many options for implantable devices are fully discussed in a medically precise manner.

Liposomes

Liposomes are fat drops made in the lab by the addition of a water-based solution added to a phospholipid gel. Liposomes form a capsule around the medication to improve their delivery and are used for intravenous delivery of tiny molecules of drugs and oral and sustained-release delivery of medications.
Try: Northern Lipids has a great deal of reference information about liposomal use and lipid based drug delivery systems. The safety and efficacy of lipid-based carriers are discussed in detail as well as the use in things such as vaccines and nutraceuticals.

Inhalers

Many different types of medications for lung or other respiratory disorders are given by using an inhaler, which delivers the medication directly into the lungs and breathing tubes in a mist like state.
Try: The Palo Alto Medical Foundation has a great deal of information regarding inhalers and inhalation therapy including types, purposes, and technique for administering with online tutorials.

Intranasal drug delivery systems

The nasal cavity is one place that has an easy access to and is very vascular in nature which allows medication to be easily absorbed into the blood rapidly usually through a mist.
Try: Administering medications via the nasal cavity has many advantages and uses. These are detailed at Therapeutic Intranasal Drug Delivery, as well as how they can be administered, types and other pharmacological issues involved in this type of administration.

Transdermal patches

A type of skin patch called a transdermal patch is a medicated patch which is adhesive and placed on the skin to give a time released dose of the drug through the skin area and into the bloodstream.
Try: Transdermal patches are very effective in delivering medication. Detailed information about the types, uses and history of this type of delivery system can be found at TheFreeDictionary.

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