Digestant

An agent that will digest food or aid in digestion. Examples: Pepsin, pancreatin.

Disinfectant

An agent that destroys the organisms capable of producing disease. Examples: Formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide, phenol, iodine.

Diuretic

An agent that increases the flow of urine. Examples: Hexamethylenamine, theobromine sodiosalicylate, potassium acetate.

Drastic

A very active purgative, usually producing many evacuations, and accompanied by pain and tenesmus. Examples: Croton oil, elaterin.

Ecbolic or Abortifacient

An agent that will cause the pregnant uterus to expel its contents. Examples: Ergot, cotton-root bark, tansy.

Elixir. Elix

Elixirs are aromatic, sweetened, spirituous solutions containing small amounts of medicinal substances. They constitute one of the most commonly used classes of preparations, and contribute largely toward the possibility of pleasant medication. The National Formulary contains many of the more popular formulae, but only two elixirs are official.

Emetic

An agent that will cause vomiting. Examples: Apomor-phine hydrochloride, ipecac, sodium chloride, mustard.

Emmenagogue

An agent that stimulates the menstrual function. Examples: Viburnum, preparations of iron, manganese dioxide, ergot.

Emollient

An agent that will soften and soothe the part when applied locally. The term is usually confined to agents affecting the surface of the body. Examples: Ointment of rose-water, petrolatum, olive oil.

Emplastrum. Emplast. Plaster

Plasters are preparations for external application, and of such consistency that they require heat in spreading them, and adhere to the skin when applied. They are not often prescribed. Seven plasters are official.

Emulsum. Emul. Emulsion

Emulsions are aqueous liquids in which immiscible substances are held in suspension by the use of some viscid agent. The immiscible substance is usually an oil and the viscid agent is usually a gum. There are four official emulsions.

Epispastic

An agent that, applied locally, will produce a serous or puriform discharge by exciting inflammation. Examples: Red mercuric iodide, iodine.

Errhine

An agent that will increase the secretion of the mucous membrane lining the nose. The term is usually employed as synonymous with sternutatory. Examples: Quillaja, salicylic acid.

Escharotic

An agent that will destroy tissue with the production of a slough. The term is often used synonymously with caustic, but usually indicates a more extensive action. Examples: Arsenic trioxide, zinc chloride.

Ester or Compound Ether

A substance composed of an alcohol and acid radical in combination with O. Examples: Acetic ether, amyl ether.

Ether

As a class name it means a substance composed of two alcohol radicals in combination with O. As the name of a definite substance it means ethyl ether.