What does enteral administration of medications refer to?

Enteral administration of medications refers to the method of delivering drugs through the gastrointestinal tract. This typically involves the ingestion of medications, whether in the form of pills, capsules, liquids, or other formulations designed for oral consumption. The primary advantage of enteral administration is that it allows for easy self-administration and is often more convenient than other methods.

The enteral route encompasses not just oral intake but also other methods like rectal administration; however, the most common and widely recognized form is through ingestion. This is crucial in many medical situations where more rapid or targeted effects from the medication are not as critical as the ease of use and patient compliance.

This form of administration is distinctly different from other routes, such as injections (which are parenteral), inhalation (which delivers medications through the respiratory system), and topical applications (which involve placing medications on the skin or mucous membranes). Each of these routes has its specific indicators and pharmacokinetics, making enteral administration a vital concept in pharmacology and emergency medical care.