What is the term for administering medication 'orally'?

Administering medication 'orally' refers to the method of giving medications directly through the mouth so that they can be swallowed. When a medication is taken by mouth, it is typically absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and enters the bloodstream to exert its effects. This form of administration is common for many types of medications due to its convenience and effectiveness.

In contrast, other methods of administration serve different purposes. For instance, injection involves delivering medication directly into the body using a syringe, which bypasses the digestive system entirely. Topical administration involves applying medication directly onto the skin or mucous membranes for localized effect, while rectal administration entails inserting medication into the rectum, which is usually used for specific circumstances like when a patient cannot take medicine orally. Each method has its own specific use cases, but when the question specifically refers to 'orally,' it clearly points to administering medication by mouth.