Tag: Enteral administration

According to medical pharmacology, enteral administration refers to any route where substances are absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This means oral administration, where medication is swallowed, is indeed a form of enteral administration. Understanding this distinction is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients alike to ensure correct drug delivery and effectiveness.

Each year, over a million nasogastric feeding tubes are inserted in the U.S. alone for temporary enteral nutrition. Enteral administration, which uses the gastrointestinal tract, includes oral intake, nutritional supplements, and various forms of tube feeding. These methods are crucial for patients unable to consume adequate nutrients orally due to illness, injury, or disability.