Which of the following is NOT a parenteral route?

Which of the following is NOT a parenteral route?

• A. Intravenous
• B. Subcutaneous
• C. Oral
• D. Mucosal

Answer: (C)

Parenteral administration refers to routes that bypass the gastrointestinal tract. Intravenous and subcutaneous deliveries place the drug directly where it can act—into the bloodstream or just under the skin—without passing through the digestive system. In contrast, oral administration starts in the mouth and travels through the digestive tract, undergoing absorption and often first-pass metabolism before reaching systemic circulation. A mucosal route uses absorption across mucous membranes and, while it bypasses the GI tract, it isn’t the oral path. Because oral administration goes through the digestive system, it is not a parenteral route.

Parenteral administration refers to routes that bypass the gastrointestinal tract. Intravenous and subcutaneous deliveries place the drug directly where it can act—into the bloodstream or just under the skin—without passing through the digestive system. In contrast, oral administration starts in the mouth and travels through the digestive tract, undergoing absorption and often first-pass metabolism before reaching systemic circulation. A mucosal route uses absorption across mucous membranes and, while it bypasses the GI tract, it isn’t the oral path. Because oral administration goes through the digestive system, it is not a parenteral route.