1635. Therapeutic Uses

Diseases of the Lungs, &c. In Asthma of a purely spasmodical character, much benefit results from the use of Ipecacuanha. Akenside's method has been extensively and advantageously employed. He directs j. of the powder during the paroxysm, to induce vomiting, which generally affords great relief. In the intervals, he advises gr. v. to be taken every morning, or gr. x. every other morning. This produces nausea, and sometimes vomiting; but if persevered in for four or six weeks, effects a great amelioration of the symptoms, if not a cure. Smaller doses sometimes answer better.

1636. In Chronic Bronchitis, Dr

C. B. Williams§; states that he found Ipecacuanha, in doses of gr. j. - ij. of the powder, or in doses of exx. - f3ss. of the Wine, very serviceable. It may be repeated several times daily, combined with Squills, &c, as the case may require. In mild attacks, occurring in persons of a plethoric habit, it is of itself sufficient for a cure. Its use is contra-indicated in case of profuse night sweats.

1637. In simple Catarrh, particularly when occurring in children, Ipecacuanha is highly serviceable. It may be given at first in nauseating doses; and afterwards in such doses as will keep up a slight degree of nausea. It produces copious diaphoresis, and may always be safely employed.

* Lancet, May 7, 1842. Clin. Lect., vol i. p. 167.

Med. Trans., vol i p. 93.

§ Cyc. Pract. Med., vol i. p. 321.

1638. In Phthisis, Ipecacuanha Is An Eligible Emetic In The Early Stage Of The Disease

Dr. M. Hughes* advises, it (gr. vj., Cupri Sulph. gr. ij.) to be taken an hour before breakfast, every morning, or every second, third, or fourth day, according to the strength of the patient and the character of the disease. (See Emetics.)

1639. In Hooping-Cough In The Acute Stage, Dr

Watson advises Ipecacuanha, in doses of gr. ss. - iss., three or four times a day. This generally keeps the bowels open, and also seems to have a beneficial operation on the mucous membrane of the air-passages. If the cough is very troublesome or urgent, opiates may be conjoined. An emetic, given at the outset of the attack, has a beneficial effect. After its operation, the following formula of Mr. Pearson's will be found very useful: - Vin. Ipeca-cuanhAe gutt. v., T. Opii gutt. j., SodAe Carb. gr. ij., AquAe q. s. ft. haust. 4tis vel 6tis horis sumend. It is a valuable formula in ordinary cases. In young children the Opium may be omitted.

1640. In Aphonia, Dr. Robertson states that he has seen the most conspicuous benefit derived from Ipecacuanha in full emetic doses, thus: - Vin. Ipecacuan. 5ix., Oxymel Scill 3iij., M. ft. haust. This is to be repeated every three or four days, and if the Aphonia arise from a catarrh, diluents and sudorifics should be employed at the same time.