Oral medication

Oral medication is a route of administration where a substance is taken through the mouth. Many medications are taken orally because they are intended to have a systemic effect, reaching different parts of the body via the bloodstream.

Overview

Oral medication is the most convenient and commonly used route of drug administration. It is typically used when a systemic effect is desired, and the drug is not expected to be destroyed by the gastrointestinal tract. Oral medications can come in many forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids.

Advantages

Oral medication has several advantages. It is generally the most convenient and comfortable method of administration. It does not require sterile conditions, and it is easy to take. The medication can be taken at home and does not require a healthcare professional. Oral medications also have a longer duration of action than some other forms of administration, such as injection.

Disadvantages

There are also some disadvantages to oral medication. Some drugs can be destroyed by the acid in the stomach or by the liver before they can be absorbed into the body. Some people may also have difficulty swallowing pills. In addition, the rate of absorption can be affected by factors such as food in the stomach.

Absorption

The absorption of oral medication is determined by several factors. These include the physical and chemical properties of the drug, the formulation of the drug, and the physiology of the patient. The rate of absorption can also be affected by the presence of food in the stomach, the pH of the stomach, and the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

See also

• Drug administration
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacology

Oral medication Resources
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