Einnahme

Einnahme is the act of taking a substance into the body, typically referring to the administration of a medication or other edible or ingestible substance by a patient or caregiver. In medical and pharmaceutical contexts, it describes the actual ingestion or introduction of a drug, as opposed to processes that occur after ingestion such as absorption or metabolism. The term is widely used in German-language medical literature and patient information to denote the act of intake.

Etymology: the word derives from nehmen, meaning “to take,” with ein- indicating inward direction. In pharmacy and clinical practice, Einnahme is closely linked to dose and schedule, for example an instruction such as “täglich eine Einnahme” (one intake per day).

In pharmacology and clinical care, Einnahme commonly refers to forms of administration that lead to systemic exposure, most often oral, including tablets, capsules, solutions, or suspensions. The concept also applies to other routes where the substance enters the body, such as buccal or enteral administration, but the term is most frequently used in relation to oral intake. Key aspects include timing (Einnahmezeit), frequency, and the interaction of food or other medications with the taken substance.

Safety and adherence are central: correct dosage, prescribed frequency, and duration are essential for effectiveness and to minimize adverse effects. Missed doses or incorrect timing can reduce efficacy or raise risks. In healthcare documentation, Einnahme events are recorded to ensure treatment plans are followed and to monitor tolerability and outcomes.

See also: administration routes, dosage, adherence, pharmacokinetics.