CIRCUMSTANCES MODIFYING THE ACTION 

 OF DRUGS. 



Mode of Administration. 



The following table gives the various methods qf ad- 

 ministering drugs in order of their rapidity of absorption, 

 beginning with the method by which absorption is most 

 rapid, and following with those by which absorption is less 

 and finally least rapid : 



1. Intravenous, by injection into the veins. 

 3. By inhalation (volatile drugs). 



3. Subcutaneous, by injection into subcutaneous tissue. 



4. Intratracheal, by injection into the trachea. 



5. Oral, by the mouth. 



6. Eectal, by the rectum. 



7. Inunction, by the skin. 



1. Injection into the veins (usually into the jugu- 

 lar) is not so commonly practiced as the subcutaneous 

 method, as there is a certain minute danger of inducing 

 phlebitis, embolism and thrombosis. The danger is more 

 theoretical than real, however, as we have frequently thrown 

 from 5 § (150 cc.) to 6^ J (200 cc.) of fluid extract of can- 

 nabis indica into the jugular, and even chloral hydrate, 

 a most irritating and caustic drug, in the dose of 1 § 

 (30.) dissolved in 8 § (240 cc.) of water, without producing 

 any untoward symptoms. No method of administration can 

 secure more rapid absorption, since intravenous injection is 

 absorption. This has constituted one of the theoretical 

 objections to the method, that the sudden entrance of a 

 drug might create shock. Injection into the jugular is 

 useful when very rapid and effective action is imperative, 

 as in causing immediate catharsis in colic and intestinal 



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