What are the two main types of medication administration routes?

The identification of the two main types of medication administration routes as oral and topical is grounded in established pharmacology practices. Oral administration is one of the most common methods, involving the ingestion of medication, which then travels through the digestive system and is absorbed into the bloodstream. This route is favored for its convenience and safety.

Topical administration, on the other hand, involves applying medication directly onto the skin or mucous membranes, which allows for localized treatment or systemic absorption depending on the formulation. This method is particularly useful for treating skin conditions or for delivering medications through the skin into the bloodstream.

Understanding the distinctions and applications of these routes is essential for safe medication administration in various healthcare settings. The other options represent valid routes of administration but do not encompass the two main categories as broadly recognized. Oral encompasses ingestion methods while topical includes dermal applications, thereby making this combination the foundational understanding in medication routes.