Cocaine (1.5 milligrams per kilogram) was applied to the nasal mucosa of human subjects. The cocaine persisted in the plasma for 4 to 6 hours and reached peak concentrations of 120 to 474 nanograms per milliliter at 15 to 60 minutes. In that residual cocaine was detectable on the nasal mucosa for 3 hours, continuous absorption secondary to its vasoconstrictive action might explain its persistence in the plasma.

Cocaine (2.0 milligrams per kilogram) given by the oral route is at least as effective as the same dose given intranasally. Cocaine is not detected in the plasma until 30 minutes after oral administration, but peak plasma concentrations are similar after both routes. The subjective "highs" in man are greater after oral than after intranasal administration.

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