Enteral administration involves delivering medication directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, typically through oral or feeding tube methods. It is a common route for systemic drug delivery.
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Oral administration is the most common form of enteral administration, involving swallowing pills, tablets, or liquids.
Enteral routes can also include sublingual and buccal methods where drugs are absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Medications administered enterally must pass through the liver via the portal circulation before reaching systemic circulation, a process known as first-pass metabolism.
Enteral feeding tubes (e.g., nasogastric, gastrostomy) are used when patients cannot take medications orally due to various medical conditions.
The onset of action for enteral medications can be slower than parenteral routes due to the time required for absorption in the GI tract.
Review Questions
What are two primary methods of enteral administration?
How does first-pass metabolism affect enterally administered drugs?
Why might a patient require medication via an enteral feeding tube?
Related terms
Parenteral Administration: Delivering medication outside of the GI tract, usually via injection.
First-Pass Metabolism: The initial metabolism of an orally administered drug by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation.
Sublingual Administration: A method where drugs are placed under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream.