LECTURE LIX 

 COMMON MEDICINES (Continued) 



Antiseptics 



Boracic acid. — Boracic acid, a non-irritating, antiseptic pow- 

 der or crystals. Boracic acid is mainly used externally either 

 in solution (about 3 per cent) or as dry powder dressing for 

 wounds. Sometimes it is used internally for colts and calves 

 which have diarrhea. Boracic acid is soluble in 26 parts cold 

 water, in 3 parts boiling water, or in 6 parts alcohol. For solu- 

 tions, use the crystals. 



Doses. — Colts and calves take 10 to 30 grains in sirup three 

 times a day. 



As an outward application for wounds and sores, the acid may 

 be mixed with half its bulk of iodoform. 



Carbolic acid. — Carbolic acid deodorizes and kills germs 

 (germicidal). In strong solutions it is irritant, caustic, and 

 locally anesthetic. Internally it is at first a stimulating and 

 afterwards a depressing narcotic, poisonous in sufficient dose 

 and strength. It is used more commonly as an external dis- 

 infectant, in 2 to 5 per cent solutions. Dilute solutions kill 

 external parasites. Carbolic acid is useful in the treatment of 

 ringworm used as 10 to 15 per cent solution in glycerine or 

 linseed oil. It is not so commonly used as a dressing in surgi- 

 cal work as formerly — usually dispensed from the drug stores 

 as a 95 per cent solution of the crystallized drug. 



Corrosive sublimate (bichlorid of mercury). — This is a caus- 

 tic, and irritant poison. It is used externally as a caustic and 

 antiseptic. Strong solutions and ointments produce very severe 

 blisters, and frequently destroy the hair follicles. 



It is chiefly used as a germicide. For this purpose it is 

 greatly diluted. Corrosive sublimate is cheap and very satis- 

 factory for disinfecting buildings, and other purposes where 

 large quantities must be used. Dilute solution destroys lice 

 and itch mites in the proportion of fifteen grains to a pint of 



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