What is the most common route of medication administration?

The most common route of medication administration is the oral route. This method is preferred for several reasons, including ease of use, patient compliance, and safety. Medications taken orally can be self-administered, allowing patients to easily take their medications outside of a clinical setting. Additionally, the oral route is less invasive compared to other methods, causing less discomfort and reducing the risk of infection associated with injections.

The absorption of medications via the gastrointestinal tract allows for a broad range of drug formulations, including tablets, capsules, and liquid forms, providing flexibility in how medications can be given. While other routes such as intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous are effective in certain situations, they are often reserved for instances where rapid onset of action is required, such as emergencies or when patients are unable to swallow medications. Thus, the oral route remains the most common and convenient method of administering medications.