CHAPTER XTV 



MEDICINES ; THEIR ACTION AND USES. 



Antiseptics. — Remedies which arrest putrefaction. They kill or 

 prevent the development of those bacteria which produce decompo- 

 sition. 



Examples: Corros. sub., carbolic acid/creolin. 



Disinfectants. — Destroy the specific poisons of communicable 

 diseases by killing those germs wliich produce disease. 



Examples: Lime, sulphur gas, etc. 



Deodorants. — Disguise or destroy odors. 



Examples: Iron sulphate, carbolic acid, etc. 



Rubefacients. — Cause redness of the skin. 



Examples: Alcohol, turpentine, etc. 



Vesicants. — Cause a discharge of serum from the skin. 



Example: Cantharides. 



iSUxmacJiics. — Promote digestion. 



Examples: Gentian, ginger, etc. 



Vermicides. — Kill worms. 



Examples: Turpentine, iron sulphate, etc. 



Vermifuges. — Remove intestinal worms by purgation. 



Parasiticides. — Destroy parasites. 



Examples: Carbolic acid, creolin, etc. 



Purgatives. — Evacuate the bowels. 



Examples: Aloes. 



Laxatives. — Mild purgatives. 



Examples : Bran mash, small dose of linseed oil. 



Cholagogues. — Promote secretion of bile. 



Examples: Aloes, calomel. 



Diaphoretics. — Increase perspiration. 



Examples : Ethers. Same action produced mechanically by warm 

 clothing. 



Diuretics. — Increase secretion of urine. 



Examples: Potass, nit., turpentine. 



Tonics. — Gradually but permanently improve appetite and increase 

 vigor. 



Examples: Quinine, iron, gentian, etc. 



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