What is an enteral drug?

An enteral drug is defined as any medication that is administered through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes methods such as oral ingestion, rectal administration, or any delivery that uses the digestive system for absorption. Enteral administration allows for various forms of medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream or affect local digestive processes.

In contrast, the other options describe different routes of administration. Injection refers to the parenteral route, which bypasses the GI tract and includes intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous methods. Administration through the skin pertains to transdermal delivery systems, which are also not considered enteral. Inhalation, on the other hand, refers to delivery methods that target the respiratory system rather than the GI tract. Understanding these distinctions is essential for EMTs when assessing and administering medications effectively.