Transcutaneous route:

) Iontophoresis: Galvanic current is used for bringing about the penetration of drugs into
the deeper tissue e.g. salicylates.
ii) Inunctions: Absorbed when rubbed in to the skin e.g. nitroglycerin ointment in angina
pectoris.
iii) Jet injection: With help of high velocity jet produced through a micro fine orifice; No
need of needle and therefore painless. e.g. mass inoculation programmes.
iv) Adhesive units: A transdermal therapeutic system produce prolonged
systemic effect e.g. scopolamine for motion sickness.
d) Topical/ local route:
The absorption through skin is a passive process. The absorption occurs more easily through
the cell lining e.g. dusting powder, paste, lotion, drops, ointment, suppository for vagina and
rectum.
e) Inhalation:
Drugs may be administered as dry powders, and nebulized particles when sprayed as fine
droplets get deposited over the mucous membrane producing local effects and may beabsorbed for systemic effects e.g. salbutamol spray used in bronchial asthma and volatile
general anaesthetics