A guide to therapeutics / by Robert Farquharson.

  • Farquharson, Robert, 1836-1918.
Date:
1891
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A guide to therapeutics / by Robert Farquharson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    2. Liver. — Ipecacuanha is a powerful hepatic stimu- lant. It increases slightly the secretion of intestinal mucus, but has no other apparent stimulant effect on the intes- tines. The bile secreted under the influence of ipecacuanha has the normal composition. 3. Shin. — Ipecacuanha promotes the cutaneous secre- tion, independent of the ten- dency to perspiration usually attending the action of eme- tics. more ordinary forms of diar- rhoea, however, it is quite use- less. 2. It has therefore been given in the form of pill, and combined with other remedies, to relieve the sluggish diges- tion caused by a deficiency of bile. 3. Ipecacuanha combined with opium, in the form of ' Dover's Powder,' is a well- known and tolerably effectual diaphoretic, much used in chronic rheumatism and fever- ish attacks. Mode of Elimination, &c. It is probable that as much of the ipecacuanha as remains after the action of vomiting is eliminated from the system by the biliary and intestinal secretions. Mode of Administration. The action of ipecacuanha wine is so notoriously uncer- tain that, when we wish to obtain the full emetic effect of the drug, it is best to have recourse to the freshly powdered root (15 to 30 grains), remembering, however, that children will bear unusually large doses. In the treatment of dysentery, also, we shall derive most advantage from the use of the powder, and in ordinary cases of dysenteric diarrhoea we may give from ^ to 2 or 3 grains in combination with compound tragacanth powder.