Which route of drug administration involves the use of a syringe or needle?

The route of drug administration that involves the use of a syringe or needle is parenteral. This method bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and allows for the direct delivery of medications into the body, typically via injections. Parenteral administration can include intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) routes among others, allowing for rapid absorption of the medication into the bloodstream.

In contrast, oral administration involves taking medication by mouth, where it is absorbed through the digestive system. Topical administration refers to applying drugs directly onto the skin or mucous membranes, allowing for localized effects rather than systemic absorption. Sublingual administration involves placing medication under the tongue for absorption directly into the bloodstream, but it does not require a syringe or needle. Each of these routes has distinct applications and methods of drug delivery, but parenteral administration specifically necessitates the use of a syringe or needle to facilitate injection into the body.