ASAFCETIDA 157 



92 per cent, of bromine and closely resembles the sodium salt in 

 action. 



Therapeutics of the Bromides. Since the bromides are espe- 

 cially serviceable in the treatment of functional nervous disorders 

 they are not nearly so serviceable in veterinary as in human medi- 

 cine. They are especially indicated to control the convulsions of 

 epilepsy in both human and veterinary medicine. Their use in 

 veterinary practice is largely limited to small animals, in which 

 case they may be employed to control the spasms of epilepsy, epilepti- 

 form convulsions and eclampsia. However, they are of doubtful 

 value in the convulsions of distemper, etc. Although they act op- 

 posite to strychnine, they are not reliable antidotes to poisoning by 

 this drug. 



For epilepsy or ether convulsive attacks they may be combined 

 with chloral and administered per rectum. 



Epilepsy or Convulsion in Dogs. 



IJ Sodii Bromidi. 



Potassii Bromidi aa grs. Ixxxv 



Ammonii Bromidi grs. xxvij 



Aquse q. s ad. 5 iv 



Misce et fiat Solutio. 



Sig. Tablespoonful every four hours. 



ANTISPASMODICS 



The most important antispasmodics have been discussed in connec- 

 tion with other groups. Two which have not been discussed are : 

 Asafcetida and Valerian. 



ASAFCETIDA 



This is a gum resin obtained from the roots of Ferula faetida, a 

 native of Persia and Afghanistan. It occurs in irregular crystalline 

 masses or tears, is of a yellowish brown color, persistent garlicy odor 

 and acrid taste. 



Preparations and Doses. 



Asafcetida. H. and C. §ss — j ; 15. — 30. D. gr. iij — xij ; 



.18— .8. 

 Emulsum Asafoetidw 4 per cent, in water. D. §ss — j ; 15 



—30. 

 Tinctura Asafcetidce. H. .^ij- iv ; 60. — 120. D. 3ss— j ; 2. 



— 4. 

 Pilulw Asafcetidce (3 grains each). D. 1 — 4 pills. 



Action and Uses. Asafcetida is a feeble carminative, circula- 

 tory and nervous stimulant, and antispasmodic. It is used entirely 

 as an antispasmodic and carminative. It is useful in colics and 



