Ohio Registered Pharmacy Technician Practice Test

What type of medications are described as being injected with a syringe?

1. Topical medications

2. Parenteral medications

3. Oral medications

4. Inhalable medications

The correct answer is: Parenteral medications

Parenteral medications are specifically designed to be administered via injection using a syringe. This form of medication delivery involves injecting drugs directly into the body, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This method is often preferred for rapid effects, high bioavailability, or situations where patients may not be able to take medications orally. Parenteral administration includes routes such as intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous, which are essential in various medical treatments and for managing patient care effectively. In contrast, topical medications are applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes, oral medications are taken by mouth and absorbed through the digestive system, and inhalable medications are delivered via inhalation into the lungs. Each of these routes serves different therapeutic purposes, highlighting the importance of parenteral medications in scenarios requiring swift and controlled release into the systemic circulation.