CHAPTER XI 

 SPECIFICS FOR THE ALIMENTARY TRACT 



1. STOMACHICS — BITTERS 



Stomachics are drugs used to increase the appetite and promote 

 the functional activity of the stomach. They are characterized by a 

 markedly sharp taste, either bitter or aromatic. If a bitter also con- 

 tains a volatile oil or a resinous aromatic principle, it is called an 

 " aromatic "bitter," while if it contains tannin, it is called an " astrin- 

 gent bitter." The following are the more important members of 

 the different groups : 



It is not definitely known how bitters produce their action upon 

 the stomach, although it is probably due to a peciiliar irritation of 

 the gastric mucosa, producing a reflex flow of all the digestive 

 fluids together with a hyperemia of the mucosa and increase in peri- 

 stalsis. The increased appetite is probably due to a stimulation of 

 the nerve endings in the taste biids involved in the sensation of hunger 

 (gustatory). With the exception of nux vomica and chinchona, bit- 

 ters have no direct action beyond the digestive tract. 



General Uses. 



1. To modify or improve the taste of food or medicine. 



2. To stimulate the appetite. 



3. To increase digestion in atonic conditions when the stomach is 

 not irritable. 



4. Antemetic. 



Contraindications. In all conditions where there is marked 

 irritability or hyperemia of the stomach; If the appetite is normal, 

 bitters may not increase but lessen it. 



Administration. The best results are obtained by giving bitters 

 in liquid form 34 hour before feeding. It has been shown by experi- 

 mentation on the dog that an increased action of the organs is 

 obtained from bitters in from 20 minutes to /4 hour after administra- 



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