North Carolina Medical Journal. Vol. 3. No. 4. April, 1879Various
Science
North Carolina Medical Journal. Vol. 3. No. 4. April, 1879
Various
Medicine -- North Carolina -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals
After the administration of the emetic and a repose of twelve to
twenty-four hours, the purgative may be used to induce action by the
intestines. It slightly excites the secretion of mucus, and facilitates
the circulation and the passing of bile by the stools. Drastics should
be absolutely excluded, their too violent action producing injurious
irritation. Among the purgatives I recommend, above all, castor oil
alone, or associated with oil of sweet almonds. When judged proper to be
administered alone, two ounces at least should be given at once. When
mixed with oil of sweet almonds, three ounces of the first, and two
ounces of the second, adding some drops of lemon juice, unless it is
preferred to give the patient a slice of lemon, after the potion, to
prevent vomiting.
The action of castor oil is a little slow, but it should be assisted
with injections of olive oil and warm water.
If the patient has an antipathy to castor oil, sulphate of magnesia is
administered, in a dose of one ounce in a half tumbler of fresh water,
with the addition of six grains of nitrate of potash. The mixture of
these two remedies produces secretion of intestinal mucus, acts upon the
kidneys, augments the secretion of urine, and at the same time excites
diaphoresis.
This mixture ought to be given in small doses, every half hour, as the
stomach will bear it better. Given in this way it is sometimes vomited
in part, so that there should be no attempt to give the remainder. If
its action is delayed, it should be assisted with injections slightly
purgative, warm sea water, or sulphate of magnesia, mixed with olive
oil. During the action of the purgatives, especially of sulphate of
magnesia, the patient may drink as much fresh water as he wishes.
Obstinate constipation, indicating a congestive state of the brain, will
be combatted with Seidlitz water. The different purgatives generally
bring on a calm, and marked relief.
Other purgative substances are employed, among which I would cite
rhubarb and Seidlitz powder, or Seidlitz water. They are particularly
indicated in the jaundice of the second, and in the commencement of the
third period.
The counter-indications of purgatives are colliquative diarrhœa, the
third period of the disease, hemorrhages, especially those of the anus.
Feeble and lymphatic temperaments do not endure them well. They should
be given to women and children with caution, and in small doses
frequently repeated.
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