MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 13 



RECTUM. — By this route food is given to human beings in 

 diseases of the stomach, during which it will not retain food, or 

 during long periods of unconsciousness. 



Medicines are introduced in the form of suppositories, clys- 

 ters or enemas. The salts of the alkaloids are quickly absorbed ; 

 morphine, atropine and strychnine salts are absorbed as quickly, 

 and strychnine more rapidly, by the rectum, than by the stomach. 



RESPIRATORY TRACT.— By this route drugs are admin- 

 istered by inhalation, nasal douche, insufflation and atomization, 

 also intratracheal injections can be considered under this head. 



Inhalations. — Used to reach muc. mem. of the throat, lungs, 

 sinuses of the head, and bronchial tubes. 



Medicated vapors used for this purpose are either in the form 

 of gas or steam. Iodine and carbolic acid are most commonly used 

 either alone or in combination ; methods, 



1. Pour medicated vinegar or water slowly over hot brick 

 or iron. 



2. Medicate water and lower hot brick or iron into it, 



3. Burn tar, sulphur, etc. 



4. Sprinkle chloride of lime about. 



5. Turpentine vapors. 



Nasal Douche. — For mucous membrane of the nostrils, the 

 fluid must be tepidi bland and non-irritating. It should be sooth- 

 ing, antiseptic and tonic in character. 



Drugs usually used for this purpose are chloride of sodium 

 (salt), bicarbonate of soda, chlorate of potash, permanganate 

 of potash, carbolic acid, iodine ; zinc sulphate, hydrastis canaden- 

 sis, oil of eucalyptus, listerine, peroxide of hydrogen and tr. chlor. 

 of iron, etc., all in mild solution. 



InsuMation. — Powdered drugs blown into the nostrils and 



fauces. 



Atomization or Pulverisation. — An atomizer is used with 

 steam or air as the power ; sends medicine into the nostrils in an 

 extremely fine spray. 



Intratracheal Injections.— -Injected directly into the trachea, 

 acts quicker than hypodermatically. Turpentine is injected for 

 bronchial filaria of cattle and sheep. Alkalcidal drugs in solution 

 are frequently administered in this way. 



Veins and Arteries. — Ammonia i to 2 parts of distilled water 



