CARMINATIVES 221 



Administration. There are several preparations of cod liver 

 oil on the market that may he used. Many of these, however, are 

 combined v^ith hypophosphites which are very disagreeable and con- 

 sidered worthless by many pharmacologists. 



The official emulsion is probably as good as any of the numerous 

 commercial preparations. Cod liver oil is usually given two or 

 three times daily. 



Eachitis. 



^ Olei Phosphorates 3 j 



Olei Moirhuae q. s ad. S x 



M. Ft. Sol. 



Sig. Teaspoonful for small dogs or pigs. Tablespoonful for large 

 ones, once daily. 



4. CARMINATIVES 



Carminatives are drugs that relieve pain by causing the ex- 

 pulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines. The usual cause 

 of gas is the fermentation of food stuff. The excessive amount of 

 gas distends the organ, and causes spasm of its muscular coats to- 

 gether with severe pain. The exact method of action of this class of 

 drugs is not known, although numerous theories have been advanced. 

 They probably act in the main by relaxing the spasm of the viscus 

 especially at the orifices, allowing the gas to escape. To a certain 

 extent they are irritants, causing an increase in the blood supply 

 to the stomach and intestines and stimulating the movements of these 

 organs. In addition they probably have some antiseptic or antifer- 

 ment action, and serve as stomachics by increasing the activity of the 

 glands. They are also of some use to allay spasm from other irri- 

 tants than gas, as in colicky pains due to irritant foods or medicines. 

 They are frequently prescribed with purgatives to prevent the grip- 

 ing from these agents. They should be avoided if inflammation has 

 taken place. 



With few exceptions, ether, chloroform, alcohol, they depend 

 almost entirely upon a volatile oil, or a resin, for their action. The 

 following are the most important : 



Administration. Usually by mouth. Turpentine and asafoed- 

 ita may be of considerable service in enemata. 



