Which medication routing code indicates a drug is administered intravenously?

The routing code that indicates a drug is administered intravenously is IV. This code signifies that the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein, allowing for rapid absorption and onset of action. Intravenous administration is often used in situations where immediate effects are required, such as in emergency settings, for hydration, or when a patient cannot take medications orally.

Each of the other routing codes represents different routes of administration: IM indicates intramuscular injections, which deposit medication into the muscle; oral signifies that the medication is taken by mouth and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract; and subcutaneous refers to injections given into the tissue layer between the skin and muscle. Each route has specific implications for absorption rates and therapeutic effects, making it critical for pharmacy technicians to understand these distinctions.