DRUGS WHICH DESTROY MICRO-ORGANISMS AND PARASITES 67 



Drugs Which Destroy Microorganisms and 

 Parasites. 



(1) Disinfectants or Germicides are agents which destroy 

 the microorganisms causing infectious and contagious 

 diseases, fermentation and putrefaction. Examples : 



Corrosive mercuric chloride Sulphurous acid 



Carbolic acid Chlorine 



Lime Heat 

 Chlorinated lime 



(2) Antiseptics are agents which prevent the growth and 

 development of the microorganisms occasioning fermenta- 

 tion, putrefaction and disease ; more especially the micro- 

 cocci producing suppuration. Those used externally for 

 surgical purposes are : 



Deodorants, or Deodorizers, are agents which destroy or 

 •counteract a foul odor. Those possessing any real value 

 are also disinfectants and antiseptics, and remove the source 

 of the odor. 



(For further details see special article on disinfectants, 

 antiseptics and deodorants, p. 686.) 



Anthelmintics or Vermicides are drugs which kill intestinal 

 worms, as the various species of taenia (tape worm) ; of 

 ascaris (round worm), and oxyuris (thread, seat or whip 

 worm), inhabiting the alimentary canal of the domestic 

 animals. 



