Ipecacuanha.

Related entry: Ipecac under emetics

Ipecacuanha deserves a notice here, as it enters into many of our most efficient diaphoretic compounds. (For general description, see Emetics.) In small doses, as one grain, repeated every two, three, or four hours, or oftener, it produces a relaxed and softened state of the skin, with slight diaphoresis. It is, however, rarely used alone, being combined with other agents, especially opium, adding much to the efficiency of the preparation.

Pulvis Ipecacuanha el Opii Compositus.—Diaphoretic Powder.—Rx Opium ℥ss., camphor ℥ij., Ipecacuanha ℥j., bitartrate of potash ℥viij. Pulverize separately and mix.

This preparation is useful not only for its diaphoretic but also for its anodyne effects. It is used in the forming stages of fevers and inflammatory affections, in coughs, colds, nervous irritation, etc., as a diaphoretic and anodyne. It is frequently combined with other diaphoretics, as Asclepin, and with antiperiodics in the treatment of intermittent diseases.

Pulvis Ipecacuanha Compositus—Dover's Powders.—Rx Ipecacuanha in powder, opium in powder, aa. ʒj., sulphate of potash powdered, ℥j. Mix.

This powder acts as a powerful sudorific, and is very efficaciously given in all cases, whether inflammatory or not, in which sweating is indicated, the relaxant power of the ipecacuanha acting upon the skin. The dose is from five to ten grains, diffused in mucilaginous fluid, or in the form of bolus.

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.