This describes a method of administering therapeutic agents, such as hormones or peptides, via injection to ensure a high percentage of the active compound reaches the systemic circulation intact. The term emphasizes the efficiency and completeness of drug absorption, bypassing the variable absorption and first-pass metabolism associated with oral routes. This delivery method is chosen when precise dosing and maximum systemic exposure are paramount.
Origin
This term is rooted in pharmacokinetics, the branch of pharmacology concerned with the movement of drugs within the body. Bioavailability, specifically, measures the fraction of an administered dose that reaches the bloodstream. In clinical endocrinology, injections were adopted early for hormones like insulin due to their superior bioavailability compared to oral forms.
Mechanism
By utilizing subcutaneous or intramuscular routes, the injected compound avoids degradation by digestive enzymes and the liver’s initial metabolic processing. This direct entry into the circulation results in a rapid and predictable plasma concentration, allowing for precise titration and consistent therapeutic effects. This mechanism is critical for peptide therapies and certain hormones that would be rendered ineffective if taken orally.
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