Administration, Topical (also known as Topical Administration, Administrations, Topical): The application of drug preparations to the surfaces of the body, especially the skin (ADMINISTRATION, CUTANEOUS) or mucous membranes. This method of treatment is used to avoid systemic side effects when high doses are required at

NIH MeSH · D000287Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment

Administration, Topical

Also known asTopical Administration · Administrations, Topical · Topical Administrations · Administration, Topical Drug · Administrations, Topical Drug · Drug Administrations, Topical · Topical Drug Administrations · Topical Drug Administration · Drug Administration, Topical

Definition

The application of drug preparations to the surfaces of the body, especially the skin (ADMINISTRATION, CUTANEOUS) or mucous membranes. This method of treatment is used to avoid systemic side effects when high doses are required at a localized area or as an alternative systemic administration route, to avoid hepatic processing for example.

MeSH classification

  • E02.319.267.120

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Related concepts

Administration, Buccal

Administration of a soluble dosage form between the cheek and gingiva. It may involve direct application of a drug onto the buccal mucosa, a…

Administration, Cutaneous

The application of suitable drug dosage forms to the skin for either local or systemic effects.

Administration, Inhalation

The administration of drugs by the respiratory route. It includes insufflation into the respiratory tract.

Administration, Intranasal

Delivery of medications through the nasal mucosa.

Administration, Intravaginal

The insertion of drugs into the vagina to treat local infections, neoplasms, or to induce labor. The dosage forms may include medicated pess…

Administration, Intravenous

Delivery of substances through VENIPUNCTURE into the VEINS.

Administration, Intravesical

The instillation or other administration of drugs into the bladder, usually to treat local disease, including neoplasms.

Administration, Mucosal

Delivery of a drug or other substance into the body through the epithelium lining of MUCOUS MEMBRANE involved with absorption and secretion.

Common questions about Administration, Topical

What does Administration, Topical mean in medicine?
The application of drug preparations to the surfaces of the body, especially the skin (ADMINISTRATION, CUTANEOUS) or mucous membranes. This method of treatment is used to avoid systemic side effects when high doses are required at a localized area or as an alternative systemic administration route, to avoid hepatic processing for example. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Administration, Topical known by any other names?
Yes. Administration, Topical is also referred to as Topical Administration, Administrations, Topical, Topical Administrations, Administration, Topical Drug in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Administration, Topical sit in the medical classification?
Administration, Topical falls under the broader medical category "Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: E02.319.267.120). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Administration, Topical?
For a plain-language explanation of Administration, Topical - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Administration, Topical" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000287) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗