What does "topical" refer to in medication administration?

The term "topical" in medication administration specifically refers to medications that are designed to be applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes for localized treatment. This method allows the medication to be absorbed through the skin, where it can exert its effects directly at the site of application without being significantly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Topical medications can come in various forms, such as creams, ointments, gels, or transdermal patches, and they are often used for conditions affecting the skin, such as rashes, infections, or localized pain. The localized nature of this administration route minimizes systemic side effects and allows for targeted treatment.

Other methods of administration, such as injection, oral intake, or rectal dosing, do not describe the topical route, making "absorbed through the skin" the defining characteristic of topical medications.