Intranasal drug administration is a less invasive method of drug delivery that is easily accessible for adult and pediatric patients. Medications administered by the intranasal route have efficacy comparable to intravenous administration and typically have superior efficacy to subcutaneous or intramuscular routes. The intranasal route is beneficial in emergent situations when the intravenous route is not available. The intranasal route is safe and effective in various indications, and therapeutic systemic concentrations of medication can be attained via this route. As the evidence for and comfort with intranasal administration continue to grow, guidance on correct technique, medications, and dosing is vital for appropriate use. This article reviews the process and practices of appropriate intranasal medication administration.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
1 October 2018
Feature|
October 01 2018
The Intranasal Route as an Alternative Method of Medication Administration
Calvin Tucker, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP;
Calvin Tucker is the Emergency Medicine/Critical Care Pharmacist at Baptist Health, Jacksonville, Florida.
Corresponding author: Calvin Tucker, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207 (email: [email protected]).
Search for other works by this author on:
Lyn Tucker, PharmD;
Lyn Tucker, PharmD
Lyn Tucker is a clinical pharmacist, Pediatric Emergency Department, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida.
Search for other works by this author on:
Kyle Brown, PharmD
Kyle Brown, PharmD
Kyle Brown is a critical care specialist at Memorial West, Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Search for other works by this author on:
Crit Care Nurse (2018) 38 (5): 26–31.
Citation
Calvin Tucker, Lyn Tucker, Kyle Brown; The Intranasal Route as an Alternative Method of Medication Administration. Crit Care Nurse 1 October 2018; 38 (5): 26–31. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/ccn2018836
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Short-term Access
Purchase short-term access on a pay-per-article or pay-per-issue basis.
$15 72 - hour single article access $30 7 - day full issue access