What type of medical procedure would involve delivering medications via injection?

Delivering medications via injection is classified as parenteral administration. This method involves bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, allowing medications to enter directly into the bloodstream or tissues. It encompasses various routes, such as intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections. This is particularly beneficial for patients who may have difficulty swallowing or for medications that need rapid effect or that would be poorly absorbed if taken orally.

In contrast, oral administration refers to medications that are taken by mouth, inhalation involves delivering drugs through the respiratory system, and topical application pertains to medications applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. Each of these options represents a different method of administering medications, highlighting the unique nature of parenteral administration in its ability to deliver medications via injection.