Enema Aloës.—Rx Aloës, Эij; potassii car-bonat., grs. xv; mucil. amyli vel decoct, hordei, oz x. (B. P.)

Enema Magnesii Sulphatis

Rx Magnesii sulphat., oz j; ol. olivae, oz j; mucil. amyli vel decoct, hordei, oz xv. Dissolve the sulphate of magnesia in the mucilage, then add the oil. (B. P.)

Enema Terebinthinae

Rx Ol. terebinthinae, oz j; mucil. amyli vel decoct, hordei, oz xv. (B. P.)

Enema O1. Ricini et Terebinthinae

Rx Ol. terebinthini, oz ss; ol. ricini, oz jss; ovi, j; decoct, hordei vel aq. fervid., oz xiv.

A common domestic enema consists of soap-suds, made somewhat more stimulating to the rectum by the addition of turpentine.

Therapy

A pint of cold water is a good enema for cases of habitual constipation, especially when there are haemorrhoids which bleed with every motion. The enema of aloes, in quantity corresponding to the age of the subject, is an efficient remedy for the destruction of ascarides vermiculares.

The purgative enemata above given are employed to act on the large intestine, chiefly by virtue of reflex stimulation, but, in part, absorption of the purgative principle takes place, whence it follows that they may affect the whole canal. They are used, therefore, as cathartics, and for the ordinary purposes of these remedies. The purgative enemata are not suitable for habitual use. They excite irritation of the rectum, which may result in ulceration, ischio-rectal abscess, fistula in ano, fissure of the anus, and other serious accidents.

Irrigation of the bowel is resorted to for the removal of impacted faeces, to overcome intussusception, etc.

Cases of intestinal invagination have been very quickly relieved by sudden inflation of the large intestine with carbonic acid. The process consists in the injection of a solution of sodium bicarbonate, followed by a solution of tartaric acid—about one drachm of each to eight ounces of water. The escape of the gas through the sphincter ani must be prevented by forcible pressure upon the anus.