How is oral administration defined?

Oral administration is defined as ingesting drugs through the mouth, which is the most straightforward and common route for drug delivery. This method allows substances to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and into the bloodstream. It is typically represented by forms such as tablets, capsules, or liquids that can be swallowed.

In contrast, the other options describe different routes of administration that do not involve taking substances orally. For example, injections refer to delivering drugs directly into the bloodstream or muscle tissue using needles, while applying drugs to the skin is indicative of topical administration. Inhaling drugs involves introducing substances into the lungs, allowing for rapid absorption but via a completely different mechanism than oral ingestion. Understanding these distinctions is critical in the practice of alcohol and drug counseling, as they influence outcomes related to drug absorption, effect, and patient management strategies.