By mouth

By mouth is a route of administration for drugs or other substances, where the substance is taken through the mouth and swallowed. It is also known as oral administration or per os (p.o.), a Latin phrase that means "through the mouth".

Overview

Oral administration is a preferred route for many drugs because it is convenient and often safer than other routes. The drug is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the stomach and intestines. This process is known as absorption.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of taking a drug by mouth is that it is easy and non-invasive. However, not all drugs can be taken orally because they may be destroyed by stomach acid or may not be absorbed well into the bloodstream from the intestines.

Drug Absorption

The rate and extent of absorption can vary greatly between different drugs and between different individuals. Factors that can affect drug absorption include the drug's formulation, the presence of food in the stomach, and the individual's age, health status, and genetic makeup.

See Also

• Route of administration
• Pharmacokinetics
• Bioavailability