enteral administration

pharmacology

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June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

Enteral administration refers to the process of giving drugs through the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. This method of drug delivery encompasses oral, sublingual (under the tongue), and rectal routes.1

After oral administration, a drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, typically within one to six hours. Factors influencing this absorption rate include the presence of food, the drug's particle size, and the acidity of the intestinal contents. This absorption is a crucial step in pharmacokinetics, the study of how the body processes drugs, which also includes distribution, metabolism, and excretion.21

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Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
…given by two general methods: enteral and parenteral administration. Enteral administration involves the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines (i.e., the gastrointestinal tract). Methods of administration include oral, sublingual (dissolving the drug under the tongue), and rectal. Parenteral routes, which do not involve the gastrointestinal
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…given by two general methods: enteral and parenteral administration. Enteral administration involves the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines (i.e., the gastrointestinal tract). Methods of administration include oral, sublingual (dissolving the drug under the tongue), and rectal. Parenteral routes, which do not involve the gastrointestinal
Read More