30 GENERAL ACTIONS OF DRUGS 



quantity of common salt either with the purgative or on the 

 food, and also by sweetening the drinking water with molasses 

 in the case of cattle. If the action of cathartics is delayed, 

 it is usually advisable to give enemata. 



Enemata, or Clysters. — These are fluid injections into the 

 rectum ahd are used for the following purposes : 



1. To empty the lower bowels when purgatives are 

 inadmissible, as in intestinal obstruction, ulceration and 

 inflammation, faecal accumulations, debilitated conditions, 

 obstinate vomiting, unconsciousness, and in inability to 

 swallow (sore throat and tetanus). 



2. To relieve pain, spasm (of intestines and bladder), 

 and shock, when deep, hot enemata (105^-115^ F.) are used. 



3. To save life. After severe haemorrhage, deep injec- 

 tions of hot normal salt solutions, 110 F°. (Enteroclysis, 

 see p. 703.) 



4. To accelerate the action of purgatives, and as a 

 preparation for abdominal and pelvic operations. 



5. To supply food. (See artificial feeding, ]>. 663.) 



6. For their local effect upon inflammation of the mucous 

 membrane of the rectum and colon. Opium and boiled 

 starch solution ; silver nitrate and tannic acid — in diarrhoea, 

 dysentery, colitis and proctitis. 



7. To kill intestinal parasites (oxyurides), — solutions of 

 quassia and common salt. 



8. To administer medicines in dysphagia due to pharyn- 

 gitis, tetanus, unconsciousness (apoplexy, coma and convul- 

 sions) ; to obstinate vomiting and other causes. 



9. To reduce temperature, — cold enemata in fever. 



10. To produce diuresis, — deep injections for retention 

 and absorption into the blood. 



11. To improve muscular tone and intestinal peristalsis 

 in chronic constipation, — cold enemata (55^-60^ F.). 



12. To overcome twist and intussusception. 



13. To stimulate peristalsis, relieve congestion, and 

 increase the flow of bile in catarrhal jaundice, — cold, deep 

 irrigations (55^-60^ F.) are here indicated. 



