What type of medications are considered enteral?

Enteral medications are those that are administered through the gastrointestinal tract, which includes any form of medication taken orally. This category encompasses oral tablets, liquids, and any other dosage forms that are ingested and absorbed via the digestive system.

Oral medications are advantageous as they are often easier for patients to take, can be less invasive, and are typically more cost-effective. They are designed for absorption in the stomach or intestines, allowing the active pharmaceutical ingredient to enter systemic circulation and exert its therapeutic effect.

In contrast, other routes of administration, such as sublingual (which involves placement under the tongue for rapid absorption), intravenous (where medications are delivered directly into the bloodstream), or transdermal (patches that deliver drugs through the skin), do not utilize the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, oral tablets and liquids are clearly classified as enteral medications.