What does "subcutaneous" administration involve?

Subcutaneous administration involves delivering medication into the tissue layer beneath the skin. This method allows for the absorption of medication through the fatty layer that sits under the skin, offering a slower and more prolonged drug effect compared to other routes, such as intravenous or intramuscular administration. Medications delivered subcutaneously include insulin and certain vaccines and are typically given using a syringe or an injector.

The functionality of this route is vital for sustaining therapeutic levels of medication over time and is often more convenient for patients, allowing for self-administration in many cases. Understanding this method is essential for medication technicians, as it plays a significant role in effective patient care and management.