Which is the correct medication route for administering drugs through the nasal passages?

Intranasal administration is the correct route for delivering medications through the nasal passages. This method allows for rapid absorption of drugs directly into the systemic circulation via the rich vascular supply of the nasal mucosa. By bypassing the gastrointestinal system and hepatic first-pass metabolism, intranasal delivery can result in faster onset of action compared to other routes.

Ophthalmic medications are specifically formulated for application to the eyes and are not suitable for nasal use. Subcutaneous administration involves injecting medications into the tissue layer between the skin and muscle, which does not utilize the nasal passages. Buccal administration refers to placing medication between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek, a route distinct from nasal delivery. Therefore, intranasal is the most appropriate and effective route when targeting drug absorption through the nasal passages.