hours, but its action should be assisted by
drinking warm fluids.
_Dose,_ of the _confection,_ commonly called _"lenitive electuary,"_
from one to three or four drachma at bedtime; of the _infusion,_ from
one to two ounces; of the _tincture,_ irom one to two drachms; of the
_syrup_ (used for children), from one drachm to one ounce.
_Caution._--Do not give senna, in any form except confection, in
hemorrhoids, and never in irritability of the intestines.
739. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a purgative, astringent and stomachic.
It is _used externally_ in the form of powder to ulcers, to promote a
healthy action.
It is given _internally_ in diarrhoea, dyspepsia, and a debilitated
state of the bowels. Combined with a mild preparation of calomel, it
forms an excellent purgative for children.
_Dose,_ of the _infusion,_ from one to two ounces; of the _powder,_
from one scruple to half a drachm as a purgative, and from six to ten
grains as a stomachic; of the _tincture_ and _compound tincture,_ from
one to four drachms; of the _compound pill,_ from ten to twenty grains.
740. Jalap
Jalap is a powerful cathartic and hydrogogue, and is therefore apt to
gripe.
_Dose,_ of the _powder,_ from ten to thirty grains, combined with a
drop or two of aromatic oil; of the _compound powder,_ from fifteen to
forty grains; of the _tincture,_ from one to three drachms; of the
_extract,_ from ten to twenty grains. The watery extract is better
than the alcoholic.
741. Colocynth
Colocynth is a powerful drastic cathartic, and should never be given
alone, unless ordered by a medical man, as its action is too violent
for some constitutions.
_Dose,_ of the _extract,_ from five to fifteen grains; of the
_compound extract,_ from five to fifteen grains; of the _compound
colocynth pill,_ the best of all its preparations, from ten to twenty
grains.
742. Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a brisk purgative for children in the form of syrup.
_Dose_ of the _syrup,_ from one to six drachms.
743. Aloes
Aloes is a purgative and cathartic in large, and tonic in smaller
doses.
_Dose,_ of _powder,_ from two to ten grains, combined with soap,
bitter extracts, or other purgative medicines, and given in the form
of pills; of the _compound pill,_ from five to twenty grains; of the
_pill of aloes_ and _myrrh_ from five to twenty grains; of the
_tincture_, from
|