Epidural Route of Administration

**Semantic type:** Functional Concept

**Definition:** Administration of the drug in the epidural space, usually at the lumbar level of the spine. The drug must initially cross the dura mater before exerting its effect on the nervous system components. The drug is also subject to uptake into the rich epidural plexus of veins. Uptake and distribution after epidural administration resembles that seen after intramuscular injection. The portion of drug that is not taken into the vascular compartment is available to cross the dura. Hydrophilicity is a major component in the pharmacokinetics of drug transfer into the subdural space.

**Synonyms:** - EPIDUR - EPIDUR - EPIDURAL - EPIDURAL - EPIDURAL - Epidural - Epidural - Epidural use