114 CARMINATIVES 



Carminatives are closely allied to Antispasmodics, and 

 include the aromatic volatile oils of the umbelliferse, labiatae, 

 and other orders, with ginger, mustard, and peppers, alcohol, 

 ethers, and chloroform. Carbonic acid gas is neutralised by 

 solution of ammonia and by solution of chlorine or chlorin- 

 ated lime. 



These agents, therefore, are used to expel flatus, relieve 

 spasm, and prevent or lessen pain. Their effects mainly 

 depend upon their controlling irregular peristalsis. They 

 stimulate contraction of the distended stomach, and thus 

 promote escape of gas by either the cardiac or pyloric open- 

 ing. Regulating, in like manner, intestinal peristalsis, they 

 displace and expel gases from other parts of the canal. They 

 are usefully conjoined with purgatives. In cattle, owing to 

 the large amount of food in the first stomach, it is sometimes 

 difficult to remove accumulations of gas, by either carmin- 

 atives or antispasmodics, the use of a gag fixed in the mouth, 

 or even by the probang. Where these means fail, and dis- 

 tension is so great as to interfere with breathing or circula- 

 tion, it is necessary to remove the gas by opening the rumen, 

 with either a trochar and canula, or a tolerably large knife. 

 In serious distension, threatening rupture of the large 

 intestines, in horses, the gas is liberated by puncture of the 

 caecum or colon with a special trochar and canula. 



INTESTINAL ASTRINGENTS diminish excessive or unduly 

 fluid intestinal evacuations. They are specially used to 

 antagonise various forms of diarrhoea. Some, like opium 

 and chloral, lessen the excessive peristalsis on which diarrhoea 

 generally in great part depends. Some, like antacids, 

 neutralise acids which provoke both peristalsis and increased 

 secretion. Some, like creosote, check fermentation and 

 putrefaction, and thus arrest formation of irritants. Others, 

 like catechu and tannin-containing substances, coagulate 

 albumin, and consequently dry up both discharge of mucus 

 and of blood. Others, like copper and iron sulphates, usually 

 conjoin antiseptic and astringent actions. Many cases of 

 diarrhoea, whether continuous or alternated with constipa- 

 tion, are best checked by castor oil, administered with a few 

 drops of opium tincture. Where the diarrhoea still persists, 

 opium in moderate doses is given. Where active peristalsis 



