What is the most common manner of drug administration?

The most common manner of drug administration is oral. This method involves taking medications by mouth, where they are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Oral administration is widely preferred for several reasons: it is convenient, non-invasive, and generally safe for a variety of patients, including those in outpatient settings.

Taking medications orally allows for the possibility of self-administration, which promotes adherence to treatment regimens. Many medications can be formulated to provide effective dosing in the form of pills, capsules, or liquids, making it versatile for different patient needs. Additionally, oral administration often leads to a slower onset of action, which may be beneficial in preventing peaks and troughs in drug levels, allowing for more stable therapeutic effects.

Other methods of drug administration, while important in clinical practice, typically serve specific needs or situations. For example, inhalation is advantageous for respiratory conditions, injections are used for immediate effect or when oral intake is not feasible, and transdermal delivery provides a steady release of medication but may not be suitable for all drug types. Therefore, oral administration stands out as the most common due to its general applicability in various treatment contexts.