Absorption of Penicillin from the Nose and Alimentary Canal

Conclusions

1. Penicillin is absorbed from the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, ileum, or colon of rats about one-fifth as well as from intramuscular injection. 2. Penicillin is also absorbed from the nose or mouth of dogs about one-fourth as well as from intramuscular injection. 3. Concentrations higher than 25,000 units of penicillin per cc depress, reversibly, the ciliary activity in frog's esophagus. 4. Penicillin may be sprayed into the nose in concentrations of 100,000 units per cc without producing significant irritation. 5. Although the blood concentrations following intranasal spraying of penicillin are low, they may enhance local antibacterial effects in the upper respiratory tract.