What is a potential effect of administering epinephrine via the oral route?

When epinephrine is administered orally, the potential for a delayed onset of action is primarily due to the way the substance is metabolized in the digestive system. After ingestion, epinephrine must undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver, which can significantly reduce its bioavailability and delay the peak effect compared to other routes such as intravenous or intramuscular. This slower absorption means that the therapeutic effects may take longer to manifest.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the pharmacokinetics of oral epinephrine. Administering epinephrine orally does not produce an immediate systemic response, as would be seen with other routes. There can be side effects, but they may not be minimal when considered in the context of the drug's stimulating effects, and the risk of overdose is typically lower via oral administration compared to parenteral routes due to reduced systemic exposure.