Final answer:
Oral medications are drugs that can be taken by mouth and absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract into the bloodstream. There are different types of oral medications, including tablets, liquids, suspensions, and solutions. While oral medications offer convenience, their effectiveness may be affected by various factors, and some patients may not be able to take them initially.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oral Medications: Types and Implications
Oral medications are drugs that can be taken by mouth and are absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract into the bloodstream. They are often preferred by patients because of their convenience. However, not all drugs are easily absorbed through the GI tract, and in some cases, other forms of drug administration such as topical preparations or injections may be necessary.
Types of Oral Medications
There are various types of oral medications, including:
Tablets/Capsules: These are solid forms of medication and are commonly used for drug administration.Liquids/Syrups: These are liquid formulations of medications and are commonly used for children or patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.Suspensions: These are liquid medications in which the drug particles are dispersed and do not fully dissolve.Solutions: These are liquid medications in which the drug is completely dissolved.
Implications of Oral Medication Administration
While oral medications offer convenience, there are some implications to consider:
- The effectiveness of oral medications can be affected by factors such as the patient's gastrointestinal health, the presence of food in the stomach, and the drug's absorption rate.
- Some drugs may have a low bioavailability when taken orally, meaning that only a small percentage of the drug actually reaches the bloodstream.
- Patients with certain conditions, such as vomiting or intubation for respirator, may not be able to take oral medications initially.