Intranasal
Intranasal (pronounced: in-tra-na-sal) is a term used in medicine to describe a route of administration that involves the nasal passages. The term is derived from the Latin words "intra" meaning within, and "nasus" meaning nose.
Definition
Intranasal administration is a method of delivering medications directly into the nose. This route is often used for drugs that are intended to act locally, such as decongestants and nasal steroids, but it can also be used for systemic drug delivery. The nasal mucosa's rich blood supply allows for rapid absorption of many drugs into the bloodstream, providing a quick onset of action.
Usage
Intranasal administration is used for a variety of medications, including decongestants, nasal steroids, vaccines, and certain analgesics. It is also used for the administration of certain recreational drugs, although this is not a medically approved use.
Advantages
The intranasal route offers several advantages over other routes of administration. It provides a non-invasive and often more convenient alternative to intravenous or intramuscular injections. It also allows for the delivery of drugs directly to the site of action in the case of nasal conditions, reducing systemic side effects.
Disadvantages
Despite its advantages, intranasal administration also has some disadvantages. These include the potential for local irritation or damage to the nasal mucosa, variability in absorption due to factors such as nasal congestion, and the relatively small volume of drug that can be administered at one time.
Related Terms
- Nasal spray: A type of medication delivery device used to administer drugs in the form of a mist to the nasal mucosa.
- Nasal cavity: The large, air-filled space above and behind the nose in the middle of the face, where drugs administered intranasally are absorbed.
- Mucosa: The membrane that lines various cavities in the body and surrounds internal organs. It is involved in absorption and secretion.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Intranasal
- Wikipedia's article - Intranasal
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