Which term describes administration "not through the alimentary canal"?

The term that describes administration "not through the alimentary canal" is parenteral. Parenteral administration refers to any form of drug delivery that bypasses the digestive system, meaning that the substances are introduced directly into the body through methods such as injections (intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous). This approach is often used for medications that require rapid onset or cannot be effectively absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.

In contrast, enteral refers to administration through the digestive system, such as oral or rectal routes. Topical refers to substances applied directly to a specific area of the skin or mucous membranes, while transdermal involves substances applied to the skin with the intention of absorption into the bloodstream over time. Therefore, parenteral is the accurate choice for indicating methods of drug administration that do not involve the alimentary canal.