DRUGS ACTING ON THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 17 



Uses. — Stomachics — particularly bitters — are service- 

 able in improving the appetite and gastric digestion in atonic 

 indigestion, and in enfeebled states of the digestive organs 

 occurring in the course of chronic diseases or during conva- 

 lescence from acute disorders. The aromatics are more 

 frequently employed for their action on the intestines, when 

 they are called carminatives. Bitters are contra-indicated 

 in irritable or inflamed conditions of the alimentary tract. 



Antacids are drugs which are used to counteract acidity 

 in the stomach and bowels resulting from indigestion and 

 fermentation, or from excessive secretion of gastric juice. 

 Some (not ammonia compounds) are also occasionally em- 

 ployed to alkalize the blood and urine. 



It has been commonly taught that if antacids are given 

 immediately before or at the time of eating, they increase 

 the flow of acid gastric juice, although diminishing the 

 secretion of alkaline saliva. They are thus said to improve 

 gastric digestion, especially when combined with bitters. 



Recent experiments seem to show that the foregoing 

 statement is fallacious and that not only do antacids fail to 

 stimulate gastric secretion, but that hydrochloric acid is the 

 best agent for this purpose. 



If administered several hours after eating, antacids 

 counteract acidity due to fermentation and relieve pain 

 caused by this condition. Since fermentation is frequently 



