There has been much research into novel routes of drug delivery as well as novel dosage regimens using conventional routes. Development and assessment of these regimens should be based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles familiar to anaesthesiologists. These approaches may allow easier continuation of concurrent medication in the perioperative period and administration of analgesic, sedative, anaesthetic and vasoactive drugs as well as neuromuscular-blocking agents in anaesthesia and intensive therapy.