From the Guidelines
Enteric and parenteral routes of administration are two distinct pathways for delivering medications or nutrients into the body, with the enteric route involving the gastrointestinal tract and the parenteral route bypassing it entirely. The enteric route involves administering medications or nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to be absorbed through the digestive system. Common examples include oral tablets, capsules, liquids, and rectal suppositories. For instance, oral medications such as amoxicillin capsules (500mg taken three times daily) are enteric medications that patients swallow, allowing the antibiotic to be absorbed through the intestinal lining 1. On the other hand, the parenteral route delivers medications or nutrients directly into body tissues or the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely. Examples include intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous, and intradermal injections. According to the ESPEN guideline on home parenteral nutrition, parenteral nutrition (PN) is a type of medical nutrition therapy provided through the intravenous administration of nutrients such as amino acids, glucose, lipids, electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements 1. Some key points to consider when deciding between enteric and parenteral routes include:
- The enteric route is generally preferred when possible, as it is more physiological and can help maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract 1.
- The parenteral route is typically reserved for situations where the enteric route is not feasible, such as in patients with severe gastrointestinal dysfunction or those who require rapid delivery of medications or nutrients 1.
- Parenteral administration can provide faster onset of action and higher bioavailability, but it also carries higher risks of infection or tissue damage compared to enteric routes.
- The choice between enteric and parenteral routes ultimately depends on the individual patient's needs and circumstances, and should be made on a case-by-case basis.
From the Research
Definitions of Enteric and Parenteral Routes of Administration
- The enteric route of administration refers to the delivery of drugs through the gastrointestinal tract, where the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The parenteral route of administration, also known as intravenous, refers to the delivery of drugs directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.
Examples of Each Route
- An example of the enteric route is oral drug administration, where a patient takes a pill or liquid medication by mouth, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls 2, 3, 4, 5.
- An example of the parenteral route is intravenous administration, where a drug is injected directly into a vein using a needle and syringe.
- Another example of the enteric route is enteral administration through a feeding tube, where medications are delivered directly into the gastrointestinal tract, often in patients who are unable to swallow safely 6.