What is the most common route of drug administration?

The most common route of drug administration is oral. This method is widely preferred due to its convenience, safety, and patient compliance. Medications can be easily taken by patients without the need for professional assistance, which makes it an accessible option for most individuals.

Oral administration involves swallowing a drug in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids, allowing for it to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. This route is beneficial because it typically provides a slower, more controlled release of the medication into the bloodstream, often resulting in fewer side effects compared to more invasive methods.

In contrast, other routes, such as intravenous, subcutaneous, and topical, may be used in specific clinical situations but are not as common for routine medication administration. Intravenous administration is often reserved for emergencies or when a rapid effect is needed. Subcutaneous administration is utilized for certain medications, such as insulin, while topical administration is generally used for local effects rather than systemic absorption. Thus, the oral route emerges as the most prevalent and practical choice for drug administration.