Topical medication is applied in which manner?

Topical medication is specifically designed to be applied directly onto the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. This method allows the medication to act locally at the site of application, which can be beneficial for treating skin conditions, infections, or localized pain without significant systemic absorption. When administered as a topical treatment, the medication can penetrate only as deeply as needed for the localized effect, minimizing potential side effects compared to other routes of administration.

In contrast, the other methods listed involve different forms of medication delivery: administering under the tongue refers to sublingual routes, which allow for rapid absorption into the bloodstream; in the rectum pertains to rectal administration, often used for patients who cannot take medications orally; and into a vein describes intravenous administration, which provides immediate systemic effects. Each of these routes serves specific purposes but does not fall under the category of topical application.