Enteral drug administration
The most convenient and painless can be called enteral administration of drugs - through the digestive tract - sublingually (under the tongue), orally (through the mouth) and rectally (through the rectum).
A significant drawback of the use of drugs per os is the possibility of destruction of active substances under the influence of the digestive juices of the gastrointestinal tract. Another disadvantage is the adverse effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. With oral administration of drugs, its relationship with the time of eating is important. There are drugs, the use of which is justified only before meals (0.5 - 1 hour) - in order to avoid their destruction and to increase absorption.
Taking certain drugs is advisable during meals (pancreatic enzyme preparations) or after meals to mitigate the irritant effect on the gastric mucosa (aspirin, prednisolone, indomethacin). Oral forms of drug release:
- pills;
- powders;
- capsules;
- pills;
- potions;
- drops for oral administration;
- infusions, decoctions;
- tinctures.
With sublingual administration, the drugs are rapidly absorbed in the oral cavity and are not destroyed in the stomach and liver. The epithelium under the tongue has a very dense network of capillaries through which the medicinal substance is absorbed. Sub lingua uses cronar dilators (nitroglycerin) and antihypertensive drugs (corinfar, isoket and others). Sublingual preparations are available in various forms:
- pills;
- powders;
- aerosols;
- drops.
Rectal administration of drugs is used:
1. if oral administration is impossible or inappropriate:
- swallowing disorder;
- vomit;
- unconscious state;
damage to the gastric mucosa;
2. if necessary, local exposure to the drug:
- haemorrhoids;
- spastic conditions of the vessels of the pelvic organs;
- anal fissures.
With the rectal route of administration, medicinal substances are not exposed to the destructive action of gastric juice, digestive enzymes and intestinal microflora. Absorption occurs in the hemorrhoidal vein system, without the substance entering the portal circulation and bypassing the liver.
Enteral administration of medicinal substances per rectum is carried out by setting microclysters or rectal suppositories.
