Syringes

The administration of drugs to the body can occur through various routes, including enteral, parenteral, transdermal, and inhalation. Parenteral routes offer advantages like rapid drug effects, 100% bioavailability, protection from the gastrointestinal system, and prevention of drug inactivation before reaching the desired site. Plastic syringes, classified as Class IA medical devices, are commonly used for parenteral drug administration.

General-purpose syringes are often disposable and constructed from materials like polypropylene, although other materials may be used. These versatile syringes have a wide array of applications, but it's important to note that not all uses are suitable for disposable, single-use general-purpose syringes. General-purpose syringes are designed with versatility in mind, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. They are not limited to a single specific use but can be effectively employed in various settings. These syringes are used in compounding pharmacies and industrial manufacturing to healthcare settings, including vaccine injections and intravenous (IV) treatments.

Types of Syringes:

Syringes come in various types, classified based on their volume and intended usage. The two main categories are disposable syringes and non-disposable syringes. Disposable syringes are sterile, pre-packaged, ready for use, non-toxic, non-pyrogenic, and carry a lower risk of transmitting diseases like AIDS or Hepatitis B, making them the preferred choice. Non-disposable syringes are typically constructed from heat-resistant materials such as borosilicate glass and are less commonly used.

Syringes are categorized into two main types based on their intended use: oral and hypodermic syringes.

Oral Syringes: These syringes are specifically designed for efficiently administering drugs via the oral or enteral route. They are also suitable for preparing drugs with very small volumes.

Hypodermic Syringes: Hypodermic syringes are calibrated in cubic centimetres (cc), millilitres (ml), or units. Syringes with small volumes, such as 1, 2, 2.5, and 3 ml, are used for intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injections. Syringes with larger volumes, typically 5, 6, 10, and 12 ml, are employed for drawing blood from patients or for preparing drugs for intravenous (i.v.) injections. Syringes with volumes exceeding 20 ml are utilized for injecting larger volume sterile solutions. The choice of syringe volume depends on the specific medical procedure and dosage requirements.

Based on their special intended use, there are three main types of syringes: Insulin syringes, Tuberculin syringes, and pre-filled syringes.

Insulin Syringes: These syringes are designed specifically for the injection of insulin hormone. They are commonly used in the treatment of Insulin Dependent...