What are the 4 ways that drugs can enter the body?

Substances can enter the body through various means. Drugs can be smoked, snorted, injected, swallowed (pills, capsules, liquids), or applied through transdermal means (applied to the skin).

Where does a pill go after you swallow it?

A pill is usually absorbed into the blood through the stomach walls after it is swallowed – these can become active in a few minutes but usually take an hour or two to reach the highest concentration in the blood. IV drugs are injected directly into the blood work much faster – sometimes in seconds or minutes.

How long does it take for pills to absorb?

In general, it typically takes approximately 30 minutes for most medications to dissolve. When a medication is coated in a special coating – which may help protect the drug from stomach acids – often times it may take longer for the therapeutic to reach the bloodstream.

Where are drugs stored in the body?

Drugs like alcohol and marijuana can be stored in fat cells. Therefore, the more fat cells that are present, the longer the drug can remain. Many drugs are broken down from their original state into metabolites as they are processed through the body. The healthier your body, the faster this process can work.

How long does a pill take to dissolve in your stomach?

How long does it take for a drug to circulate the body after it enters the bloodstream?

The average circulation time of blood is 1 minute. As the blood recirculates, the drug moves from the bloodstream into the body’s tissues. Once absorbed, most drugs do not spread evenly throughout the body.

Can pills go straight through you?

There are many reasons why a pill or capsule may appear undigested. It could be that the capsule has not broken down fully, though the active drug may have been absorbed. Or, you may have diarrhea or another disorder that causes a drug to pass through the intestines too quickly.