Which term describes the medication route taken by mouth?

The term that describes the medication route taken by mouth is "oral." This method involves patients swallowing a medication, which then travels through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. Oral administration is one of the most common and convenient ways to take medications, offering ease of use and often a favorable absorption profile.

In this route, medications can be in various forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, or powders, and are typically designed to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract for systemic effects. This method contrasts with others, such as topical, for which medications are applied directly to the skin; subcutaneous, where medications are injected into the tissue underneath the skin; and intravenous, where medications are delivered directly into the bloodstream via a vein. Understanding these routes is crucial for medical assistants, as it affects how medications are prescribed, administered, and monitored for efficacy and side effects.