Routes of administration in therapeutics: A parenteral route of drug administration refers to delivery by which general route?

Introduction / Context:
Therapeutics categorizes drug delivery into enteral (via the gastrointestinal tract) and parenteral (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract). Knowing this distinction guides dosing, onset, and bioavailability decisions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Parenteral includes multiple specific injection routes (IV, IM, SC) and others like intradermal, intrathecal.
• The question asks for the general definition.

Concept / Approach:
Parenteral literally means “outside the intestine.” Therefore, any nonoral route—including intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and certain localized injections—qualifies as parenteral. Defining it narrowly as only one specific route (e.g., IV only) is incorrect.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Differentiate enteral (oral, sublingual, rectal) vs. parenteral (all nonoral routes). Enumerate common parenteral pathways: IV, IM, SC, intradermal, intra-articular, intrathecal. Select the option that captures “nonoral” comprehensively.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard pharmacology texts define parenteral as any route bypassing the gastrointestinal tract; clinical protocols categorize IV/IM/SC as parenteral administration.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Oral: this is enteral, not parenteral.
• Intravenously only / Intramuscularly only: too narrow; both are parenteral but do not encompass the full definition.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “parenteral” with “intravenous” exclusively; parenteral is a category including several injection routes.

Final Answer:
Nonoral (by injection or routes other than the gastrointestinal tract)