Oral Medication Administration

Oral medication administration refers to the process of giving medications to patients through the mouth. This is one of the most common routes of medication administration, as it is often the safest and most convenient method for patients.

Types of Oral Medications

• Tablets: These are solid dosage forms that contain the active ingredient and are designed to be swallowed whole or chewed before swallowing.
• Capsules: Similar to tablets, but they have a gelatin or other material coating that surrounds the active ingredient.
• Liquids: These include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Solutions are mixtures in which the medication is fully dissolved, while suspensions contain particles that settle over time. Emulsions are mixtures of two or more liquids that don't normally mix, such as oil and water.
• Lozenges: These are solid dosage forms designed to be sucked on, allowing the active ingredient to dissolve slowly in the mouth.

Techniques for Oral Medication Administration

To ensure safe and effective administration of oral medications:

• Patient should be seated or standing upright to prevent choking.
• Patient should be given a glass of water to take with the medication, unless contraindicated by the medication's instructions or the patient's condition.
• Tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole, unless the patient has difficulty swallowing or the medication is designed to be chewed or crushed.
• Liquids should be administered using a measuring device to ensure accuracy of dosage.

Precautions and Considerations

Certain precautions must be taken when administering oral medications:

• Patient's ability to swallow safely should be assessed before giving oral medications, especially in elderly or disabled patients.
• Medications that are known to interact with food or other substances should be given at the appropriate time relative to meals and other medication administration.
• Patient should be monitored for signs of adverse reactions or allergic responses after administering a new medication.

Documentation

Accurate documentation is crucial when administering oral medications. This includes:

• Recording the name, dose, and time of administration for each medication given.
• Noting any adverse reactions or side effects observed after medication administration.
• Maintaining a list of patient allergies and sensitivities to ensure safe medication choices.