What delivery mechanism do oral medications utilize?

Oral medications utilize the systemic delivery mechanism, which means that the medication enters the bloodstream after being ingested. When a patient takes an oral medication, it is absorbed through the digestive system and then distributed throughout the body via the circulatory system. This allows the drug to have a widespread effect on various organs and tissues, which can be beneficial for treating conditions that require a more general systemic response, such as infections or chronic illnesses.

Topical delivery refers to medications applied directly to a specific area of the skin or mucous membranes, resulting in localized effects. Localized mechanisms focus on treatment effects that are restricted to a particular site, which is not the case for oral medications. Inhalation refers to medications delivered through the respiratory system, targeting the lungs directly; however, this is distinct from the systemic absorption associated with oral administration. In summary, the systematic nature of the delivery for oral medications enables a broader range of therapeutic effects throughout the body.