CHAPTEE XV 

 GENITO-URINARY STIMULANTS AND DISINFECTANTS 



Those drugs which stimulate the entire genito-urinary tract will 

 "be included in this group. They are all eliminated by the kidneys 

 and irritate the cells of the kidneys and more or less increase the 

 amount of urine, but this action is not so important as their stimu- 

 lant action upon the mucosa of this tract. Many of these agents 

 also possess decided antiseptic properties which are eliminated by 

 the kidneys in sufficient concentration to inhibit the growth of bac- 

 teria and prevent the decomposition of urine. Most of these agents 

 are volatile oils or contain a volatile oil to which their action is due. 

 See Volatile Oils, p. 282. In large doses they may cause acute in- 

 flammation of the kidneys, bladder and urethra. 



Most important members of this group are : 



Copaiba Cantharides 



Cubebs Juniper 

 Matigo Oils of 



Buehu Sandalwood 



Uva ursa Turpentine 



Urotropin Erigeron 



The combination of the stimulant and antiseptic actions of these 

 •drugs makes them especially useful in the treatment of subacute or 

 ■chronic pyelitis, cystitis and urethritis. They are contraindicated 

 in acute inflammations. 



COPAIBA 



Synonym. Balsam of Copaiba or Copaiva 



Description. This is an oleoresin derived from one or more 

 South American species of Copaiba. It occurs as a pale yellow to 

 brownish-yellow, more or less transparent, viscid liquid, having a 

 peculiar aromatic odor and a persistent, bitter, and acrid taste. In- 

 soluble in water; soluble or showing only a slight opalescence in 

 alcohol, and fixed and volatile oils ; completely soluble in chloroform 

 and ether. _ ... . ■ 



It contains a volatile oil, a resin and copaivic acid. It is not a 

 true balsam because it does not contain cinnamic or benzoic acid, but 

 is purely and simply an oleoresin. 



