The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Science
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2
Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Patent medicines
While the company directs the attention of physicians to the
“well-known, therapeutical effects of each individual constituent” of
Dioviburnia, there is in reality little positive evidence regarding
the action of any of the drugs contained in the nostrum. Most writers
on materia medica do not even mention these drugs and the few who
do discuss them, either question or deny their medicinal value. But
if every drug claimed to be present in Dioviburnia had some actual
demonstrated therapeutic properties, it still would be impossible
to predict the action of such a combination in the many and varied
conditions for which it is exploited. Certainly there is no warrant for
such statements as:
“In Painful Dysmenorrhea [_sic_] Dioviburnia is especially
indicated, and its continued use will invariably give relief.”
“In cases of Leucorrhea of long standing, Dioviburnia, together
with local treatment, invariably gives relief.”
“Dioviburnia is efficient in cases of subinvolution; it cures by
its tonic effects....”
The effects of the drugs alleged to be present in Dioviburnia are not
such as to justify the hope of either “cure” or “invariable relief.” In
a way the Dios Chemical Company seems to recognize the inefficiency of
Dioviburnia since it frequently suggests that it be used in combination
with drugs of known value; but it ascribes all favorable results to its
own product:
“In chronic constipation fluid extract of cascara sagrada aromatic
may be combined with Dioviburnia.”
“In cases of habitual abortion, depending on syphilitic taint, a
prescription containing the following should be used during the
entire pregnancy:
℞ “Hydrarg. Chlor. Corros gr. 1
“Potass. Iodid dram 1
“Dioviburnia ounces 16”
“An Anemic or Chlorotic patient, suffering with absence of the
menstrual flow, should take DIOVIBURNIA combined with Iron.”
“In leucorrhea depending on endocervicitis, hot astringent douches
once daily should be given. Local applications of iodin are useful
in chronic conditions. Internally, D i o v i b u r n i a promotes
healing.”
“Rest in bed, hot douches of a one-half per cent. solution of
compound cresol solution and D i o v i b u r n i a internally, a
teaspoonful every 3 hours will rarely fail to cure endometritis in
a few days.”
“In specific vaginitis, a solution of potassium permanganate (1 to
1000) should be used as a douche twice daily. Internally give the
following:
“Sodii benzoate 1/2 ounce
“Dioviburnia 16 ounces
“M. sig., Teaspoonful every three hours.”
“Prolapsus Uteri is benefited, and often cured, by DIOVIBURNIA
combined with local treatment in the shape of tampons, pessaries,
electricity, etc.”
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