Through which route should vinca alkaloids be administered?

Through which route should vinca alkaloids be administered?

• A. Oral
• B. Intravenous
• C. Subcutaneous
• D. Intramuscular

Answer: (B)

Vinca alkaloids are given intravenously because they have poor oral bioavailability and are highly toxic if absorbed locally. Oral administration would not produce reliable systemic levels, and subcutaneous or intramuscular injections lead to unpredictable absorption and high risk of local tissue injury since these drugs are vesicants. Giving them by IV ensures controlled, systemic delivery and minimizes the chance of local damage; in practice they are administered as IV infusions, often with careful administration to avoid extravasation.

Vinca alkaloids are given intravenously because they have poor oral bioavailability and are highly toxic if absorbed locally. Oral administration would not produce reliable systemic levels, and subcutaneous or intramuscular injections lead to unpredictable absorption and high risk of local tissue injury since these drugs are vesicants. Giving them by IV ensures controlled, systemic delivery and minimizes the chance of local damage; in practice they are administered as IV infusions, often with careful administration to avoid extravasation.