What is the main characteristic of topical medication administration?

The main characteristic of topical medication administration is that it involves the application of medication directly onto the skin's surface. This method is designed to deliver therapeutic agents locally at the site of application, allowing for effective treatment of skin conditions or to produce a systemic effect with minimal systemic absorption. Topical medications can come in various forms, including creams, ointments, gels, and patches, and are commonly used for localized issues such as rashes, infections, or pain relief.

In contrast, the other methods of administration, such as sublingual application, intravenous injection, or rectal placement, involve different routes and mechanisms of drug delivery that are not classified as topical. Each of these methods has specific indications and pharmacokinetics that differ significantly from topical administration.