Glossary term

Administration route: Administration route means the way a medicine is taken, such as by mouth, under the tongue, or by inhalation through an approved vaporiser. Different routes affect how fast the medicine starts, how long effects last and how predictable dosing feels.

EssentialClinicalSource quality: HighLast updated: 29 June 2026

Why this term matters

Patients often need this language to understand instructions, onset time and safety advice.

UK medical cannabis context

NICE expects discussion of how to take the medicine and how long it may take to work.

What not to assume

Route changes can alter impairment risk, onset and side-effect pattern. Patients should not swap routes without clinician advice.

Careful wording: Avoid suggesting all routes are equivalent.

Related glossary terms

Related MCPH pages

Sources and review notes

This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.