Materia medica, pharmacy, pharmacology and therapeutics / by W. Hale White.

  • Hale-White, William, Sir, 1857-1949.
Date:
1903
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: Materia medica, pharmacy, pharmacology and therapeutics / by W. Hale White. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

    173/710 (page 163)
    LEAD POISONING 168 well seen in their use in pruritus, but of course the cause of the itching should if possible be removed. The Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Fortis is rarely used, as it is strong enough to irritate ; the dilute form is that usually employed when a lotion is desired. It is often applied to bruises when the skin is unbroken, but it is doubtful if it is absorbed. The ointment of the glycerinum is an excellent remedy, and a lotion of lead and opium is a favourite preparation. It may be made by mixing 5 gr. of extract of opium with 1 fl. oz. of Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus and 1 fl. oz. of water. Diachylon ointment consists of equal parts of lead plaster and soft parafHn melted together, and mixed with an equal quantity of zinc oleate ointment and mercuric oleate ointment it forms a transparent ointment excellent for many purposes. Internal.—The chief uses of lead salts (the acetate is the only one given internally) are as astrin- gents in severe diarrhoea, such as that of typhoid fever, and as hiemostatics, as in gastric ulcer, or in haemorrhage from the intestine, especially if severe, as in typhoid fever or tuberculosis. For these pur- poses the Pilula Plumbi c Opio is very valuable, and the suppositories may be employed for rectal haemor- rhage. Lead salts produce marked constipation. Other drugs are generally preferred, but the sub- acetate of lead may be used as a gargle, or painted on as the glycerinum when an astringent effect on the mouth or pharynx is desired. Toxicology. AcuTK Lrad I'oiHONiNfi. —As wlien applied externally, so when taken internally, the salts of lead, it concentrated, are powerful irritants. Cases of acute poisoning are rare. The acetate is most freijuently taken. There is a burning, sweetish taste in till! mouth, thirst, vomiting, abdominal colic, and usually constipation, but if the bowels are open the ficces are black ; tiie skin is cold, and there is collapse. If the patient live long enough, cramps in the legs, giddiness, torpor, coma, and con- M 2