Choosing Between The Use Of Injection And Oral Products For Treatment Of A Disease

injection and oral product

As a child, we had little choice as to the nature of medication we want. As we grow older, our choices were moulded mostly by our childhood experiences.

A survey in one of the popular forums in Nigeria showed that a large population of the country inhabitants preferred taking injections to the use of oral dosage forms. However, the reasons most of them gave for this choice was shows that they prefer it not based on sound medical reasons but on some personal choices, which can be detrimental to their own health. A survey in one of the popular forums in Nigeria showed that a large population of the country inhabitants preferred taking injections to the use of oral dosage forms. However, the reasons most of them gave for this choice was shows that they prefer it not based on sound medical reasons but on some personal choices, which can be detrimental to their own health. A survey in one of the popular forums in Nigeria showed that a large population of the country inhabitants preferred taking injections to the use of oral dosage forms. However, the reasons most of them gave for this choice was shows that they prefer it not based on sound medical reasons but on some personal choices, which can be detrimental to their own health.

Read Also: Drug Information Patient Should Know In Their Patient Information Leaflet

A survey in one of the popular forums in Nigeria showed that a large population of the country inhabitants preferred taking injections to the use of oral dosage forms. However, the reasons most of them gave for this choice was shows that they prefer it not based on sound medical reasons but on some personal choices, which can be detrimental to their own health. A survey in one of the popular forums in Nigeria showed that a large population of the country inhabitants preferred taking injections to the use of oral dosage forms. However, the reasons most of them gave for this choice was shows that they prefer it not based on sound medical reasons but on some personal choices, which can be detrimental to their own health.

Note: Some drugs are available only as an oral product or only as an injection. Patients have little or no option in such a case. This work is focusing on those drugs that have both forms available.

Injections is never a better option than oral products. Although both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, one should consider before giving anyone a shot.

As medical personnel, our choices are shaped by the disease condition, the age of the patients, the physical state of the patient and others. That is why a patient ought to ask the pharmacists for advice when need be.

However, to have a better understanding of the best choice of treatment, let us consider the advantages and the disadvantages of both methods.

Injections

They are divided into intramuscular (I.M), intravenous (I.V), subcutaneous etc. It involves the use of equipment with syringes and needles whereby the drug is dissolved in a solution when the drug came as a powder or other solid physical forms.

Advantages

1. They are absorbed more quickly which lead to fast onset of action which is very important when fast relieve from a condition is intended
2. The amount of drug absorbed is predictable
3. Suitable for unconscious patients
4. No bitter taste, bad odour etc.

Disadvantages

1. It involves punching a hole in the skin with a needle that increases the chance of infection
2. Repeated administration into a particular site can cause lip dystrophy and atrophy in the site
3. Once it has been administered, there is no way to retrieve it, which can be deadly if a wrong drug or dose is administered. This is very dangerous
4. Some are very painful compared to others but none with oral products
5. Must be administered as a health centre by a qualified medical personnel
6. Wrong administration by a non-specialist can lead to complications such as paralysis, etc.

Oral Products

They are tablets, capsules, solutions suspensions etc.

Advantages

1. Drug absorption is slow which favours dosage withdrawal in case of wrong administration but can be a disadvantage when a fast relieve is intended
2. Most convenient
3. Least expensive
4. Safest route of administration
5. Administration is self-administer
6. In accidental overdose, induction of gastric lavages before toxic effects

Disadvantages

1. Bioavailability is reduced or eliminated
2. Adsorption varies due to factors such as meal content, body position etc.
3. Gastrointestinal tract can react with certain oral products negatively
4. Unsuitable for unconscious patients
5. Many studies have confirmed that both means of administration works almost perfectly. The reason is that drug manufacturers put into considerations the dose that is suitable for both means of administration. 

Read Also: The Reason Why Drug Manufacturers Produce Bitter Tasting Drugs

From the foregoing, there is more risk with injections than oral products. However, the few reason why injections should be encouraged is when a drug is not suitable or is damaged when taken orally such as insulin.

Others are when a patient wants to treat a stomach condition, which the oral drug should work faster and better for than the injection

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