Routes of administration

Template:Proofread The method in which a substance has been ingested can greatly effect the potency, duration, and overall experience of a drug. Many substances are more effective when consumed using certain routes over others and some drugs are completely inactive using certain routes of administration. Determining a route is highly dependent on the substance consumed, the desired duration of the substance, and one's personal comfort.

Oral

Arguably the most common route of administration for most classes of drugs, oral administration, allows a substance to be absorbed through blood vessels contained in the stomach. The onset is generally slower than other methods of ingestion, varying between individual substances. This method can also cause a greater propensity for nausea compared to other methods and duration and absorption is longer as well.

Sublingual

Sublingual administration refers to the absorption under the tongue. It is a common route of administration for drugs such as LSD. Sublingual administration can result in a faster absorption. It also circumvents the GI tract's tendency to break down certain drugs, such as 25I-NBOMe, which absorb via sublingual and buccal administration but not orally. Sublingual administration results in the substance being absorbed through the large lingual artery present underneath the tongue.

Buccal

Buccal administration refers to the absorption in the cheek and gum. This is commonly employed when ingesting drugs such as 25I-NBOMe, LSD, and other substances contained within blotter paper. Like sublingual absorption, the substance is largely absorbed through the lingual artery but is also absorbed through gum lining. This method is used when chewing plant leaves such as khat, kratom, salvia divinorum, and commonly tobacco.

Insufflation

Insufflation (also referred to as snorting) refers to introducing a substance into the sinus via the nostrils. Insufflation is a very common method for substances in powder form. Many users find this route to be painful and uncomfortable, although certain substances are easier to insufflate than others. This method is capable of rapid absorption through mucous membranes and blood vessels in the sinus. Absorption and onset is generally much more rapid and, subsequently, a substance feels much more intense and often shorter acting than if taken orally. Insufflation is common among drugs such as cocaine and ketamine, but is also known amongst yopo rituals. Insufflating tobacco in snuff form was common practice in the 20th century.

Smoked/Vaporized

Smoking or vaporizing substances is a common method of consumption with the most common examples of which including cannabis and tobacco. The vaporization of substances can lead to an almost instantaneous absorption of the substance and passage through the blood brain barrier. When a substance is smoked or vaporized, the substance is absorbed through blood vessels found in the bronchi tubes contained within the lungs. Like insufflation, the duration is decreased while its intensity is increased in proportion to oral absorption. Smoking or vaporizing a substance also bypasses the GI tract's tendency to break certain substances down, such as DMT.

Intravenous

Intravenous administration refers to a drug being directly introduced into the bloodstream using a hypodermic needle. This method has the benefit of a very short onset and eliminates absorption by directly entering the bloodstream. However, much greater care must be taken when compared to other methods of administration. Sterilized, unused needles and a high purity substance with little to no adulterant are required to avoid damage to the circulatory system. Making sure no air bubbles are present in the reservoir before the plunger is released is also of dire importance, as air bubbles in the bloodstream can easily be lethal. This route is commonly used with substances such as heroin, but can be employed with almost any pure substance.

Intramuscular

Intramuscular administration refers to a drug being injected into the muscle tissue using a hypodermic needle. This method is very similar to the intravenous route, but is often more painful with a decreased onset and absorption. Some drugs (such as ketamine) are commonly administered via this route. Like intravenous administration, intramuscular injection must be taken with precaution, using sterilized unused needles and not leaving any residual air bubbles in the reservoir.

Rectal/Plugging

Rectal administration, also commonly referred to as plugging, is one of the most effective methods of administration for many substances. The absorption rate is very high compared to other methods and the onset is usually very short, generally with a higher intensity and shorter duration. This is due to the large amount of arteries located in the rectum; thus rectal administration is often superior to other methods, despite social stigma.

See Also

• Responsible use
• Substance index