Which of the following are disadvantages of intravenous administration?

• A. Greater risk of toxicity and embolism
• B. Not very convenient
• C. Drug must be in aqueous solution
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

The key point here is that intravenous delivery, while fast and controllable in some respects, brings several strains on safety, practicality, and formulation. Delivering drug straight into the bloodstream bypasses absorption barriers, so doses must be precise to avoid rapid, high peak levels that can cause toxicity; it also raises the risk of embolism if air bubbles or particulates are introduced or if venous access becomes compromised. Intravenous therapy is not convenient for many settings—it requires venous access, sterile technique, infusion equipment, and trained personnel, which can limit mobility and home use. Additionally, drugs given IV typically need to be in an aqueous solution to be safely administered via a catheter; insoluble drugs or those requiring special vehicles pose formulation challenges and can create precipitation or compatibility issues. Taken together, these factors make All of the above the best answer.