LECTURE LX 

 COMMON MEDICINES {Continued) 



Diuretics 



Saltpeter (nitrate of potash). — Saltpeter is very soluble in 

 water, warm or cold. It is mildly antiseptic, and has slight 

 cathartic effect. It is strongly diuretic; it increases secretion 

 from bronchial tubes ; it is alterative, a febrifuge ^ and useful 

 in the treatment of all classes of animals. For alteratives and 

 febrifuge effect it is given in about half the doses that are given 

 to stimulate the kidneys. 



Doses. — Cattle and horses for diuretic effect take one half to 

 two ounces; sheep and swine, one half to two drams. These 

 doses are given in the drinking water or as a drench. 



Sweet spirits of niter. — Stimulant much like alcohol or ether ; 

 it is antispasmodic and increases the excretion from skin, lungs, 

 and kidneys. Very large doses are narcotic. It is very useful 

 in cases of spasmodic colic and it is a convenient heart stimu- 

 lant. 



Doses. — As a stimulant and antispasmodic, horses and cattle 

 take two to four ounces ; hogs, two to four drams. It is decom- 

 posed by water, and should not be mixed with other medicines 

 until just before its use. It is given as a drench with water or 

 in sirup. As an antispasmodic it may be given to advantage 

 with either opium or chloral hydrate. 



Oil of turpentine (common turpentine). — Stimulant, anti- 

 spasmodic, antiseptic, and destroys parasites, both external and 

 internal. It is readily absorbed when swallowed and is excreted 

 by the lungs, skin and kidneys. Medicinal doses stimulate and 

 overdoses irritate the mucous membrane of these organs. For 

 medicinal purposes it is used in indigestion, and in certain con- 

 ditions of diarrhea and tympanites (bloating) ; it is a very use- 

 ful medicine in these conditions and one that is usually at hand. 



* A febrifuge reduces fever, 



2S7 



