Abstract: A method for administering medication to a patient by inhalation of an ionized aerosol mist of medication particles includes ionizing the particles by passing the mist through a passage containing a pointed electrode energized to 1,000 to 50,000 volts DC. Apparatus for use in performing the method includes a grounding electrode on the ionizer for (a) grounding the patient relative to the high potential of the pointed electrode, to place the patient's respiratory tissue at ground potential relative to the charged aerosol particles, or (b) establishing a tightly defined ion field within the apparatus whereby ions not attached to the aerosol particles will return to ground and not cause a build up of static charge in/on the patient/user. Contact rings on the ionizer may be connected to a current limiting device so as to prevent harmful electrical shock to a person coming into contact with the energized pointed electrode.