iJVACUENTS. 173 



a faint nauseating odor. The root contains a crystal- 

 line alkaloid, emetine ; a glucoside, ipecacuanhic acid ; 

 also gum, starch, etc. J and a trace of a volatile oil. 



Preparations. — Pulvis Ipecacnanhce, powdered 

 ipecac root. Dose: H., 3ss.-ij.; D., gr. ss.-ij.; as 

 an emetic, gr. x.-xxx. 



Extractum Ijjecaciianhce Fhiidum, fluid extract 

 of ipecac. Dose: H., fl. 3 ss.-ij.; D., 111,88.-1]'.; as 

 emetic, lUxv.-xxx. 



Syrupus Ipecacuanhce, syrup of ipecac (seven per 

 cent.). Dose: D., fl. 3i.-iv. 



Pulvis Ipecacuanhce et Opfii, powder of ipecac 

 and opium, Dover's powder. Contains ipecac 10, 

 opium 10, sugar of milk 80. Dose: H., 3i.-iij.; D., 

 gr. v.-xv. 



Physiological Action and Uses. — Ipecac is a 

 cholagogue, diaphoretic, expectorant, and emetic for 

 dogs, cats, and pigs. Full doses, sufiScient to cause 

 emesis, when given to animals which do not vomit, 

 produce an increased amount of bronchial secretion ; 

 hence are given in catarrh and bronchitis when 

 cough is " hard and fast." The powder when inhaled 

 causes sneezing, and is sometimes used as a sternu- 

 tatory. Medicinal doses increase all the mucous se- 

 cretions, the hepatic secretions, and the sweat glands. 

 Continued use begets tolerance. Small doses act as a 

 stomachic tonic and stimulant to the gastric secre- 

 tions. As a diaphoretic the Dover's powder is much 

 used in rheumatism, diarrhoea, and dysentery, in the 

 latter troubles being given in large doses up to toler- 

 ance. As an expectorant in bronchitis, spasmodic 



