What does "INH" refer to in the context of medication?

In the context of medication, "INH" stands for "inhaled." This term indicates that the medication is administered through the respiratory system, typically via an inhaler or nebulizer. Inhalation as a route of administration allows for rapid absorption of the medication directly into the lungs, making it an effective method for treating respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also enables the medication to act quickly at the site of action, which is particularly important in managing acute respiratory issues.

Other routes of administration, such as transdermal, rectal, and topical, refer to different methods of delivering medication into the body. Transdermal applies medication through the skin, rectal involves administration via the rectum, and topical is related to applying medication directly to the surface of the skin. Each of these routes has its own specific applications and mechanisms, which vary significantly from inhalation.