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Rectal

Most commonly by suppository or enema. Some drugs given by this route include aspirin, theophylline, chlorpromazine and some barbiturates

Advantages:

By-pass liver - Some of the veins draining the rectum lead directly to the general circulation, thus by-passing the liver. Reduced first-pass effect.

Useful - This route may be most useful for patients unable to take drugs orally or with younger children.

Disadvantages:

Erratic absorption - Absorption is often incomplete and erratic. However for some drugs it is quite useful. There is research being conducted to look at methods of improving the extent and variability of rectal administration.

Not well accepted.

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