What is the route of administration for penicillin G?

• A. Oral
• B. Subcutaneous
• C. Parenteral (IV, IM)
• D. Topical

Answer: (C)

Penicillin G is primarily administered through parenteral routes, which include intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) injections. This is because Penicillin G is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, making oral administration ineffective for achieving therapeutic levels. By delivering the drug via parenteral routes, it enters the bloodstream directly, allowing for rapid onset of action and adequate bioavailability, which are crucial for treating serious infections. IV administration is particularly useful in acute care settings where immediate therapeutic levels are required, while IM may be used for more sustained release.

Other routes, such as oral or topical, are not suitable for Penicillin G due to its pharmacokinetic properties, leading to ineffective treatment if administered by those methods.