RECTAL INJECTIONS.—Rectal injec tions of iodine solutions have been used in colitis or in diseases in which this con dition is the most prominent factor, dys entery and chronic diarrhoea, the ulcer ative processes present being favorably influenced. One drachm of Lugol's solu tion in 1 pint of lukewarm water may be used after carefully cleansing the bowel by means of an enema. If pain is caused by the mixture employed, 1 drachm of iodide of potassium may be substituted for Lugol's solution, or a small quantity of extract of opium may be added. Two pints should be injected night and morn ing, the strength of the solution being increased if need be.
Study of the absorption of iodide of potassium from the rectum of healthy and sick persons; conclusions: 1. In eight healthy persons iodine could be discovered in the saliva in from five to nine minutes, the average being seven minutes. 2. In five patients with lesions about the rectum or in its neighborhood (cancer of the rectum, parametritis, retro-uterine hmmatocele, etc.) the ab sorption was retarded, the time varying between nine and fifteen minutes. 3. The same retardation occurred in seven patients with remote affections (acute nephritis, malignant disease of the stom ach, cardiac organic disease, etc.), the time averaging about fourteen minutes. 4. When in the form of solution the iodide was absorbed by the rectal mu cous membrane more rapidly than when in that of suppository, the difference amounting to several minutes. The io
dide was introduced into the rectum either in aqueous solution-2 drachms to 1 ounces—or in suppositories con taining the same amount of the salt. Baczkiewicz (Pamietnik Towarzystiva Lekarskiego Warszawskiego, '92).
The absorption of potassium iodide, when introduced into the rectum, is as rapid as when given by the stomach. If it be desired to obtain a still more rapid absorption, the solution may be heated from 95° to 93.(1° F. The time during which elimination goes on is practically the same by either method of adminis tration. With the weak solutions ordi narily given, elimination is complete in from twenty-four to thirty hours. Con centrated solutions are excreted more slowly,—that is, in from thirty-eight to forty hours. Calantoni (Riforma Med lea, Apr. 20, '92).
Iodide of potassium detected in the saliva in about fifteen minutes after its administration by the mouth, and in ten minutes after its introduction through the rectum. Lemanski and Main (Le Bull. Med., Jan. 29, '93).
The iodide of potassium, ingested by the rectum, is eliminated by the stom ach, this elimination beginning from one-fourth to one-half hour before that occurring by the kidneys. P. Kandidoff (\Vratsch, Apr., '93).