What is true regarding percutaneous routes of medication administration?

When discussing percutaneous routes of medication administration, it is accurate to state that they generally have a slow rate of absorption. This is due to the nature of the skin's barrier properties, which are designed to protect the body from external substances. Medications administered percutaneously, whether via topical ointments, patches, or other forms, must penetrate through the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) and then into the systemic circulation. This process can take time, resulting in a slower absorption compared to other routes such as intravenous or intramuscular administration, where the medication is introduced directly into the bloodstream or muscle tissue.

While some medications can be formulated for better absorption from topical routes, the overall characteristic of percutaneous absorption is typically slow, making option C a correct statement regarding this route of administration. Understanding this allows healthcare professionals to choose the appropriate route based on the desired speed of effect and the specific therapeutic needs of the patient.