Parenteral absorption implies what about dose size?

Parenteral absorption implies what about dose size?

• A. A larger dose is always required
• B. Dose size is irrelevant
• C. A smaller dose will achieve the same therapeutic effect
• D. Oral vaccines are better tolerated

Answer: (C)

Parenteral administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream or tissues, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and avoiding first-pass metabolism in the liver. This leads to higher and more predictable bioavailability compared with oral dosing, where absorption can be incomplete and variable. Because a larger portion of the drug reaches systemic circulation when given parenterally, you can often achieve the same therapeutic effect with a smaller dose than would be needed orally. This doesn’t mean the rule applies to every drug in every situation, but it explains why a smaller parenteral dose can be sufficient.

Parenteral administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream or tissues, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and avoiding first-pass metabolism in the liver. This leads to higher and more predictable bioavailability compared with oral dosing, where absorption can be incomplete and variable. Because a larger portion of the drug reaches systemic circulation when given parenterally, you can often achieve the same therapeutic effect with a smaller dose than would be needed orally. This doesn’t mean the rule applies to every drug in every situation, but it explains why a smaller parenteral dose can be sufficient.