Final answer:
The term for medication administration other than via the alimentary canal is 'parenteral administration.' This includes methods like IV or IM injections and is used when a drug is not well absorbed by the GI tract or oral administration is not possible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for administering medication via a route other than the alimentary canal is parenteral administration. This route bypasses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and includes methods such as intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injections. The parenteral route is often preferred when a drug is not absorbed easily from the GI tract or when a patient cannot take oral medications due to illness. Substantial plasma levels of a drug can be achieved quickly through IV administration, which can be important in the treatment of infections.
Furthermore, routes like the mucosal route, controlled-release parenteral drug, transdermal route, and enteral route which involves the intestines as seen in medical foods, provide alternatives for patient care. It’s also noteworthy that pathogens can enter the body via the parenteral route through breaches in the skin, emphasizing the importance of this term in understanding drug administration and infection control.