MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. II 



GARGARYSMA — Gargle. — A mixture or -solution for ap- 

 plication to the mucous membrane of the throat. 



GRANULUM — Granule. — A very small pill, also called Par- 

 vule, usually composed of alkaloidal or other powerful drugs. 



GLYCBCOL. — Jelly troche whose base is gelatine or isin- 

 glass with glycerin. 



HAUSTUS — Draught — A Drench. — A single large dose. 



IN HALATION ES— Inhalations.— Also called Vapores, va- 

 pors or steaming medicines in form of vapors, gas or atomized 

 spray, intended for inhalation, for local action on the respiratory 

 mucous membrane. 



POTUS — Drink. — Solution to be used ad libitum. 



ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. 



Medicines may be introduced into the circulation by various 

 routes ; there are seven different ways; the gastro-intestinal tract, 

 respiratory tract, rectum, the veins and arteries ; the subcutaneous 

 cellular tissues and the integument itself. 



Gastro-intestinal Route. — Is the one most frequently em- 

 ployed, because it is the most convenient, the remedies after being 

 swallowed find their way into the circulation, through the walls 

 of the gastro-intestinal blood vessels and the lacteals. Some 

 drugs require to be digested, some are changed into other and 

 more soluble substances and some are absorbed as they are taken. 



WHEN SHOULD MEDICINES BE ADMINISTERED? 

 The curative effects of remedies may be retarded, changed in form 

 or prevented by untimely administration. 



Remedies intended to act on the mucous membrane of the 

 stomach should only be given when that organ is empty. 



If distant parts are to be affected in the most prompt and 

 efficient manner and the drug is free from distinct irritating quali- 

 ties, it should be taken on an empty stomach ; as when digestion 

 is going on, the contents of the stomach are acid in reaction and 

 if alkalies are administered, combinations take place and salts are 

 formed. 



If alkalies are introduced before digestion begins, diffusion 

 of the acid-forming constituents of the blood takes place, and in 

 this way the acidity of the gastric juice is promoted; likewise 



