Which type of medication is absorbed through the skin or mucosa?

Topical medications are specifically formulated to be absorbed through the skin or mucosal surfaces. These medications are designed to deliver therapeutic agents directly at the site of application, making them effective for local treatment. They can come in various forms such as creams, ointments, gels, and patches, allowing for a range of applications across different health conditions, including pain relief, inflammation reduction, and treatment of infections.

In contrast, oral medications are ingested and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, intravenous medications are delivered directly into the bloodstream for immediate systemic effects, and inhalation medications are administered via the respiratory system to act quickly on the lungs. Each of these methods has distinct pharmacokinetics and is used for different purposes, but none facilitate absorption through the skin or mucosa in the manner that topical medications do.