What does local action of a medication mean?

The local action of a medication refers to its effect being confined to a specific area where it is applied rather than exerting influence throughout the entire body. For instance, a topical cream intended to treat a skin condition only works on the affected skin area and does not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts to impact other parts of the body. This localized effect is essential for targeting specific tissues or areas without systemic involvement, which can help minimize side effects and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

In contrast, medications that affect the entire body (such as systemic medications) are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the organism, leading to a broader and often more generalized effect. Similarly, medications requiring injections do not inherently imply local action as they often aim for systemic effects as well, depending on the type of medication and intended purpose. Thus, the interpretation of "local action" is clear when considering its direct application to a localized treatment setting.