Enteral Sedation
Sedation achieved by administering a drug via the gastrointestinal tract, including oral, sublingual, and rectal routes, as distinct from parenteral administration.
Full Definition
Enteral sedation encompasses any route of drug delivery that involves the gastrointestinal mucosa, most commonly the oral route (swallowing a tablet or liquid) but also sublingual and rectal administration. In dental anesthesiology, oral benzodiazepines such as triazolam or diazepam are classic enteral agents used to produce minimal-to-moderate sedation. Because absorption via enteral routes is less predictable than intravenous titration, the onset and depth of sedation can vary widely among patients, limiting the practitioner's ability to adjust effect in real time. State dental regulations typically require specific permits for enteral sedation beyond minimal levels, and documentation must reflect the drug, dose, route, and time of administration. Editors must distinguish 'enteral' from 'parenteral' carefully, as the two terms describe mutually exclusive routes.
Usage
Usage note: 'Enteral' and 'parenteral' are a classic confusable pair; enteral = through the gut; parenteral = bypassing the gut.
In Context
- "The protocol specified enteral sedation with oral triazolam one hour prior to the appointment." — Pre-operative sedation protocol
- "Editors should confirm that 'enteral' is not substituted for 'parenteral' when describing IV drug routes." — Proofreading guideline for clinical documents