How Drug Delivery Systems Have Improved For Better And Quicker Effects

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Drug delivery is the method or process of administering a pharmaceutical drug to achieve a particular therapeutic effect. The practice of drug delivery has changed dramatically in the past couple of decades, thanks to our greater understanding of how a drug is moved through the bloodstream, cells and tissues. Biomedical engineers have found several new modes of drug delivery that have entered into current clinical practices.

Medications can be taken in a variety of ways like by swallowing, through intravenous injection, inhalation or absorption through the skin. Not all methods can be used for all medicines and each one of them has its advantages and disadvantages.

Some of the common drug delivery methods are briefly described here:

Oral: This is the well-known and most preferred route of drug administration. Due to its non-invasive nature and ease of use, it is very common.

Pulmonary: The drug is administered by inhalation through the mouth into the airways for effectively treating the local disease of the lungs.

Sublingual: In this method, the drug is placed under the tongue for rapid absorption and quick onset of the action.

Buccal: The drug is delivered through the lining of the cheek to avoid rapid drug uptake and metabolism into active compounds by the liver.

Nasal: Nasal sprays are used to administer drugs through the nose. Liquid, small molecule drugs and some powder formulations can be used for nasal delivery.

Ocular: The drug is delivered to specific parts of the eye for treatment.

Transdermal: In this method, the drug formulation is applied onto intact skin for systematic absorption.

Vaginal/Anal: Vaginal route provides for faster onset of action and bioavailability of the drug. Vaginal administration is considered to address women’s health issues and for the administration of hormones. Hydrogels, tablets and suppositories can be administered through the vaginal route. The anal route is considered for local and systematic effects when other routes are not feasible.

Drug delivery systems

Biotechnology and drug delivery system advances have led to improved administration of medications for precise and targeted delivery. These drug delivery systems are designed to:

Enhance drug absorption
Improve efficiency
Achieve increased drug dissolution rate, and
Improve patient experience.

Micro-needling and nanotechnology

Micro-needling is one of the new ways of drug administration in which dozens of microscopic needles are used. These needles are far thinner than a strand of hair and fabricated to contain a medicine. Although they penetrate the skin but don’t reach the nerves, thus deliver the medication painlessly. Nanotechnology has opened up new avenues for drug delivery vehicles, especially.

Saving on your drug purchases

As new methods of medication delivery are discovered the cost for prescriptions are still on the rise. When it comes to treatment, drug costs can be a real burden for a long or short term treatment plan. Brand name drugs are always more expensive then their generic counter parts that contain the same active ingredient. Drug discount cards such as EzRx can help you save on your healthcare expenses as it can be used to purchase generic medications with up to 80% discount of their labeled price, while one can also save up to 20% on an average on brand name prescription drugs.

EzRx drug card is very helpful for those without a healthcare insurance. People with healthcare insurance can also use EzRx discount drug card for purchases of the medications not covered by the insurance pr of the drug discount card is cheaper then their insurance.

The EzRx drug discount card is available as an electronic card simply text the keyword “EZRX” to 21000 or visit www.ezrxdrugcard.com to download the card. Just present a photo of the card to your pharmacist to start saving on all your prescription needs. The card can be used for unlimited purchases and never expires. It is available for all, has no issuance or renewal charges and can be used by family members , friends, and pets.