Parenteraler

Parenteraler refers to routes of administration that bypass the gastrointestinal tract. This contrasts with enteral routes such as oral or rectal dosing. Parenteral administration includes intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous injections, and less common routes like intrathecal, epidural, intra-arterial, and intraperitoneal delivery. It is chosen when rapid drug effect is needed, when oral intake is not possible, or when the drug is poorly absorbed or inactivated in the GI tract.

Delivery is usually via syringes, cannulas, needles, infusion sets, or implanted devices such as peripheral IVs, central venous catheters, or implanted ports. Parenteral nutrition, specifically total parenteral nutrition (TPN), provides nutrients through a vein for patients unable to receive food by mouth or via the gut.

Pharmacokinetics and use: Bypassing the GI tract gives reliable and complete bioavailability and faster onset, with dosing that can be precisely controlled. It is essential in anesthesia, intensive care, emergency medicine, oncology, and for drugs that degrade in the gut or have poor absorption orally.

Risks and considerations: Parenteral therapies require sterile preparation and strict aseptic technique to reduce infection and contamination. Potential complications include local or systemic infection, thrombosis, air embolism, and catheter-related problems. They are typically more costly and require professional administration and monitoring.

Regulation and quality: Products are manufactured as sterile, pyrogen-free, and isotonic solutions when appropriate, with expiry dating and storage requirements. The term parenteraler covers a broad set of routes and formulations used to deliver medications and nutrients outside the digestive tract.