Which route includes absorption from skin, eyes, ears, nose, lungs, rectum, and vagina?

Which route includes absorption from skin, eyes, ears, nose, lungs, rectum, and vagina?

• A. Topical route
• B. Transdermal route
• C. Oral route
• D. Inhalation route

Answer: (A)

Absorption through external surfaces and mucous membranes is the hallmark of the topical route. When a drug is applied to skin or to mucous membranes such as those of the eyes, ears, nose, rectum, or vagina, it can be absorbed locally or into the systemic circulation. Because all the sites listed are external tissues accessible for application and for mucosal absorption, the topical route best encompasses absorption from skin and these mucous membranes. While the lungs involve absorption via the inhalation route, many forms that contact mucous membranes (like nasal sprays) are described under topical use, reinforcing why this option is the most appropriate label for absorption from those sites. In contrast, transdermal refers only to skin, oral involves the GI tract, and inhalation specifically targets the respiratory tract.

Absorption through external surfaces and mucous membranes is the hallmark of the topical route. When a drug is applied to skin or to mucous membranes such as those of the eyes, ears, nose, rectum, or vagina, it can be absorbed locally or into the systemic circulation. Because all the sites listed are external tissues accessible for application and for mucosal absorption, the topical route best encompasses absorption from skin and these mucous membranes. While the lungs involve absorption via the inhalation route, many forms that contact mucous membranes (like nasal sprays) are described under topical use, reinforcing why this option is the most appropriate label for absorption from those sites. In contrast, transdermal refers only to skin, oral involves the GI tract, and inhalation specifically targets the respiratory tract.