Overdosing intentional, possibility

For some patients and with certain drugs, such as certain sedatives, oral administration may raise a concern with respect to the possibility of severe accidental or intentional overdosing. This danger is practically eliminated by rectal administration. Whereas it is relatively easy for a patient to swallow a number of tablets, it is much more difficult to administer numerous suppositories rectally at the same time. Thus rectal administration may be indicated for patients for whom overdosing is a significant concern. 

Intentional overdose in a child or adolescent should raise the possibility of physical or sexual abuse. Teenage girls may have overdosed because of unwanted pregnancy. 

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