PCP is available in a variety of tablets, capsules, and colored powders, which are either smoked, taken orally or by the intranasal route ("snorted").

Smoking is the most common route when used recreationally. The liquid form of PCP is actually PCP base often dissolved in ether, a highly flammable solvent. For smoking, PCP is typically sprayed onto leafy material such as mint, parsley, oregano, or marijuana. PCP may also be injected.