(Not Official.)

Latin, Kaolinum

Eng., Kaolin.

A native Aluminum Silicate. A soft, white or yellowish-white powder, or in lumps.

Preparation (U. S. P., viii).

Cataplasma Kaolini

Eng., Cataplasm of Kaolin. Kaolin, 577 Gm.; Boric Acid, 45 Gm.; Thymol, 0.5 Gm.; Methyl Salicylate, 2 Gm.; Oil of Peppermint, 0.5 Gm.; Glycerin, 375 Gm.

Therapeutic Action

Cataplasm of Kaolin is said to be emollient, local sedative, exosmotic, antiphlogistic.

1 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

Uses

The Cataplasm is employed in the treatment of pleurisy, pneumonia, mastitis, sprains and deep-seated pain generally.

Administration

The official Cataplasm of Kaolin is still not stocked by many druggists or often prescribed, as the proprietary preparations have a rather strong hold on the profession. It should be applied direct to the skin over the part affected. It is used as hot as patient can tolerate, and is used in a layer from one-eighth to one-quarter inch in thickness. This is covered with a heavy layer of absorbent cotten. The application is usually changed every six to twelve hours.