4? 8 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



parasiticidalj and antiseptic. It does not evaporate or become rancid. 

 The chief medicinal value of glycerin depends upon its affinity for 

 water, so that (in solution) it keeps moist the surface to which it is ap- 

 plied. Pure glycerin is, however, slightly irritant to the skin and may 

 cause some inflammation of raw surfaces and mucous membranes on 

 account of withdrawal of water from the tissues. It should therefore be 

 diluted with water for most therapeutic purposes. 



Action Internal. — Glycerin is absorbed and oxidized in the body, 

 and possesses some value as a carbohydrous food. It may give rise to a 

 substance in the urine which reduces eupric oxide and renders the sugar 

 test positive. It is somewhat antiseptic in the digestive tract, and 

 appears to inhibit the formation of glycogen in the liver in some cases of 

 glycosuria. Large doses are irritant and slightly purgative. Enormous 

 quantities cause poisoning in animals, with the production of hemoglobi- 

 nuria, glomerulonephritis, muscular weakness, dryness of the mucous 

 membranes, restlessness, collapse, tremor, convulsions, coma and death. 



Uses External. — These are manifold. It is largely employed in 

 lotions, ointments, and as a vehicle for the substances of which it is a 

 solvent. Glycerite of starch is a successful remedy for rough, dry skin, 

 and scaly eczema. Glycerite of phenol is an appropriate application for 

 fetid sores and ulcers, and, diluted with an equal part of glycerin, will 

 destroy the acari of mange and scab. It should be used with caution to 

 prevent poisoning. Glycerite of boroglycerin is an excellent preparation 

 for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis and thrush. In dryness of the 

 meatus, and in canker of the ear (otorrhea) in dogs, the following mix- 

 ture is recommended: 



Tincturae iodi 3i. 



Glycerin! gss. 



M. 



S. Drop in ear. 



(Furnish medicine dropper.) 



Scratches and cracked heels of horses, fissured and excoriated sur- 

 faces, and erythema, are successfully treated with the following prescrip- 

 tion: 



Tine, opii gi. 



Liq. plumbi subacetat giv. 



Glycerini gii. 



Aquae ad gviii. 



M. 



S. Apply externally. 



Uses Internal. — Glycerin is employed as an excipient for balls and 

 pills, and as a vehicle for nauseous and irritating drugs. It is not a 

 valuable remedy for internal use, but is sometimes given with the food 

 to prevent intestinal fermentation and relieve flatulence. It may prove 

 curative in cases of glycosuria; and in trichinosis when given by the 

 mouth, and in high rectal injections after active purgation. Glycerin 

 is a useful addition to cough mixtures in moistening and soothing the 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



