What term describes medication applied to the skin or mucous membranes?

• A. Oral
• B. Vial
• C. Tablet
• D. Topical

Answer: (D)

Topical medications are designed for application to the skin or mucous membranes. This includes creams, ointments, gels, sprays, and transdermal patches. They are used primarily for local effects at the site of application, though some formulations can be absorbed into the bloodstream to a degree. The other terms refer to how the drug is delivered or packaged rather than where it acts: oral describes drugs taken by mouth (tablets, capsules, etc.), a vial is just a container, and a tablet is an oral solid dosage form. Therefore, the term that fits medications applied to skin or mucous membranes is topical.