Medications that enter the body through the digestive system are called?

• A. Inhaled medications
• B. Enteral medications
• C. Topical medications
• D. Parenteral medications

Answer: (B)

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system are classified as enteral medications. This route includes substances that are swallowed or introduced into the GI tract, such as oral tablets or liquids and rectal forms, and they are absorbed through the stomach and intestines. Absorption can be influenced by factors like gastric pH, presence of food, and first-pass metabolism in the liver, which often makes their onset slower and more variable.

In contrast, inhaled medications are taken into the lungs and absorbed rapidly through the respiratory tract; topical medications are applied to the skin or mucous membranes and usually have local effects or limited systemic absorption; parenteral medications are given by injection (IV, IM, or subcutaneous), bypassing the GI tract for faster, more predictable systemic effects.