Part 2

RESOLVENT.--A substance indicated in the treatment or absorption of hard, callous tissue, as iodine and its preparations.

RESTORATIVE.--A medicine that aids in restoring the health, as nux vomica, arsenic, etc.

REVULSANT or REVULSIVE.--An agent which produces irritation and draws fluids from other parts diseased, as poultices, cantharides, etc.

RUBEFACIENT.--A medicine or agent causing irritation and redness of the skin, as turpentine, mustard, etc.

SEDATIVE.--A medicine which diminishes functional activity, as potassium or ammonium bromide, etc.

SEPTIC.--An agent causing poisoning resulting from the absorption of products of putrefaction, as bacteria.

SIALOGOGUE.--A medicine stimulating the flow of saliva, as pilocarpine, arecoline, ginger, capsicum, etc.

SOMNIFACIENT or SOPORIFIC.--A medicine which produces drowsiness and sleep, as morphine, chloral hydrate, potassium, bromide, etc.

SORBEFACIENT.--A medicine used to produce abortion, as ergot.

SPECIFIC.--A medicine or agent which has a distinct curative influence on an individual disease, as potassium iodide in actinomycosis (Lumpy Jaw) or oxygen in milk fever, etc.

STIMULANT.--A medicine which quickens or increases functional activity, as strychnine, ammonium carbonate, alcohol, etc.

STOMACHIC.--A medicine which increases functional activity of the stomach, as quassia gentian, etc.

STOMATIC.--A medicine used in diseases of the mouth, as boric acid, potassium chlorate, alum, etc.

SUPERFACIENT.--A medicine causing unconsciousness from which the patient can be roused, as opium, bromide of potassium, etc.

STYPTIC.--An agent that checks bleeding by causing contraction of the blood vessels, as tincture chloride of iron, ergot, etc.

SUCCEDANEUM.--A medicine which may be substituted for another possessing similar properties, as chloral hydrate for potassium bromide, or aloes for linseed oil, etc.

SUDORIFIC.--A medicine or agent which produces an increased quantity of perspiration (sweat) as ginger, pilocarpine, Dover’s powders, etc.

SUPPURANT.--A medicine or agent promoting pus formation, as poultices, cantharides, croton oil, etc.

SYNERGIST.--A medicine which co-operates or assists the action of another, as chloroform with ether, cantharides with red iodide of mercury, etc.

TAENICIDE.--A medicine which destroys tape worms, as extract of male fern.

TAENIFUGE.--A medicine which expels tape worms, as areca nut, pumpkin seed, oil of turpentine, etc.

TETANIC.--A medicine or agent which increases the irritation of the spinal cord or muscles producing spasms, as strychnine, etc.

TONIC.--A medicine promoting nutrition and giving strength to the body, as arsenic, cod liver oil, etc.

TOPIC or TOPICAL.--A substance or agent for external use, applied locally, as a liniment.

TOXIC.--A condition produced by a poison, as a result of an over-dose of medicine or the absorption of bacterial products.

TRICOPHYED.--A medicine promoting the growth of hair, as pilocarpine, cantharides, capsicum, etc.

UTERINE.--A medicine acting upon the uterus, as ergot.

VEHICLE.--A medicine or agent used as a medium or base for the administration of medicines, as syrups, oils, water, etc.

VERMICIDE.--A medicine which destroys parasitic worms, as turpentine, iron sulphate, tobacco, creosote, etc.

VERMIFUGE.--A medicine which expels parasitic worms, as arecoline, aloes, etc.

VESICANT.--A medicine which forms pustules containing white serum, as cantharides.

VIRUS.--A poison of an infectious disease, especially one found in the system of an animal suffering from an infectious disease, as hog cholera, cowpox or rabies virus, etc.

VULNERARY.--Any medicine or compound used in the treatment of wounds, as ointments, liniments, etc.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES

The following methods of administering medicines in order of their rapidity of absorption, beginning with the method by which absorption is most rapid, and following with those by which absorption is less rapid and finally least rapid: 1. Intravenous, by injection into veins. 2. By inhalation (volatile drugs). 3. Subcutaneous, by injection into subcutaneous tissue. 4. Intratracheal, by injection into the trachea (or wind pipe). 5. Oral, by the mouth. 6. Rectal, by the rectum. 7. Inunction, by the skin. 8. Intramammary injections.

WHEN MEDICINES SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED

The curative effects of medicines may be restrained, changed in form or prevented by untimely administration.

Medicines intended to act on the mucous membrane of the stomach should only be given when that organ is empty. If distant parts are to be affected in the most prompt and efficient manner and the medicine is free from distinct irritating qualities, it should be taken on an empty stomach; as when digestion is going on, the contents of the stomach are acid in reaction and if alkalies are given combinations take place and salts are formed. If alkalies are given before digestion begins, diffusion of the acid-forming constituents of the blood takes place, and in this way the acidity of the gastric juice is promoted; likewise acids given before meals increase the diffusion of the alkaline constituents of the blood.

METHODS OF ADMINISTERING MEDICINES

Drenching, bit, balling gun, capsule gun, bottle, dose syringe and hypodermic syringe.

Anaesthetics administered in feed bags or proper inhaler.

TABLES USED IN PRESCRIPTION WRITING

APOTHECARIES OR TROY WEIGHT.

20 Grains (Granum) (Gr. or Grs.) = 1 Scruple. 3 Scruples (Scrupulum) (Sc.) = 1 Drachm (60 Grs.) 8 Drachms (Drachma) (ʒ) = 1 Ounce. 12 Ounces (Uncia) (℥) = 1 Pound (℔)

In prescription writing the pound sign should not be used; always express large quantities by ounces.

APOTHECARIES’ LIQUID MEASURE.

60 Minims (Minimum) (M. or Ms.) = 1 Fluid Drachm. 8 Fluid Drachms (Fluid Drachma) (fl. ʒ) = 1 Fluid Ounce. 16 Fluid Ounces (Fluid Uncia) (fl. ℥) = 1 Pint. 2 Pints (Octarius) (O.) = 1 Quart. 4 Quarts or 8 Pints = 1 Gallon (congius--C.)

In prescribing liquids the abbreviation for Quarts (Qts.) is never used. If a quart is desired it is expressed as two pints (Oij).

APPROPRIATE EQUIVALENTS OF WINE UNITS IN DOMESTIC MEASURES.

Teaspoon = ʒi. Dessert spoon = ʒii. Table spoon = ℥ss. Cup = ℥iv. Tumbler = ℥viii.

TABLES FOR REGULATING THE DOSES FOR YOUNG ANIMALS

HORSES.

3 years old and upward, full dose. From 1¹⁄₂ years old to 3 years, ¹⁄₂ dose. From 9 to 18 months old, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 4¹⁄₂ to 9 months old, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 1 to 4¹⁄₂ months old, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.

CATTLE.

2 years old and upward, full dose. From 1 to 2 years old, ¹⁄₂ dose. From ¹⁄₂ to 1 year, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 3 to 6 months, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 1 to 3 months, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.

SHEEP.

2 years old and upward, full dose. From 1 to 2 years old, ¹⁄₂ dose. From ¹⁄₂ to 1 year, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 3 to 6 months, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 1 to 3 months, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.

PIGS.

1¹⁄₂ years and upward, full dose. From 9 to 18 months old, ¹⁄₂ dose. From 4¹⁄₂ to 9 months, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 2¹⁄₂ to 4¹⁄₄ months, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 1 to 2¹⁄₂ months, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.

DOGS.

From ¹⁄₂ to 1 year old, full dose. From 3 to 6 months, ¹⁄₂ dose. From 1¹⁄₂ to 3 months, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 20 to 45 days, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 10 to 20 days, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.

THE ART OF PRESCRIBING

The prescription should be as brief and simple as possible. It should be explicit and clearly written. It may be expressed either in Latin or in English. The manner in which the medicine is to be used should be specified. Important instructions as to the rule, systematic regulations or diet of the patient are sometimes necessary.

Prescriptions usually contain two or more of the following four representative constituents: (1) The _basis_ or active ingredients. The practice of conjoining several active medicines has wisely been abandoned. Occasionally, however, it may be advantageous to give together two medicines producing their effects in somewhat different ways. Thus, spasms of the bowels are more often effectually controlled by the conjunction of a stimulant like ether and an anodyne like opium than by either given alone. Pain which is not alleviated by either morphine or atropine is sometimes abated by giving them together. (2) The _adjuvant_ is introduced in order to increase, moderate or modify the action of the basis. Frequently its chief object is to insure solubility and ready absorption. (3) A _corrective_ is occasionally required to temper the effects of the basis. Thus a small dose of opium is prescribed with oil or other laxative in cases of diarrhoea; ginger is generally added to the aloetic mass to prevent its griping. (4) The _vehicle_ generally consists of some comparatively inert substance, added to facilitate administration, such as the treacle, linseed meal or licorice powder used as an excipient for boluses and pills, the benzoated lard or vaseline used for making ointments, and the water given in drenches.

Example:

℞ Barb. Aloes ℥i. Calomel ʒi. Ginger ʒii. Molasses ℥ss. M. et fiat massa, in bolus 1. Sig. Give at once. --John Jones.

In the above prescription aloes is the basis; calomel as an adjuvant, ginger as a corrective, molasses as an excipient.

* * * * *

A prescription is composed of several parts, which may be considered as follows:

1. Heading. 2. Names and quantities of drugs. 3. Directions to compounder. 4. Directions to attendant. 5. Signature of writer.

1. For Gray Tom. July 22, 1916. ℞ { Cupri sulph., 2. { Ferri. sulph. exsic., aa. ℥iss. { Pulv. belladonna fol., { Pulv. gentian rad. aa. ℥iii. 3. M. Ft. Chart No. XII. 4. Sig.--One powder three or four times daily in syrup. --John Jones.

ABBREVIATIONS

PRESCRIPTION WRITING.

Words, phrases and abbreviations commonly used in prescription writing.

℞--means take thou. M.--Misce, mix. Fiat--make. Ad.--add, to make. Et.--means and. Sig.--Signa, label, or write thus. Numerus--number. O.--Octarius, a pint. Ter.--thrice. C. or Cong.--Congius, gallon. Dies.--diem, day. Q. S.--Quantum sufficiat. Sufficient quantity. Bene--well. q. s. ad.--quantity sufficient to make certain amount. Q. h.--quaqua-hora, every hour. aa.--ana. Of each. S.--Semis, means half. S. S.--Semi or Semissis means one-half. Cum.--with. Stat.--statim, immediately. B. I. D.--Bis in die. Twice daily. T. I. D., or T. D.--three times daily, Ter in die. Q. D.--quarter in die; four times daily. P. Æ.--Partes æquales, equal parts. Div.--divide. Gtt.--Guttæ, drops. Grs.--Grains. ʒ--Drachma, dram. ℥--Uncia, ounce. M.--Minims about a drop. ℈--Scruple. M. ft.--mistura fiat; let a mixture be made. Pil.--Pilula; pill. Destil.--Destilla; distill. Liq.--liquor a solution. Pulv.--Pulvis; powder. Fl.--fluidus, fluid. Bol.--Bolus, large pill. Cola--strain. Filtra--filter. Capsula--cap. A capsule. Charta--chart. A paper (medicated). Dosis--Dos. A dose. Massa--Mass. A pill--mass. Unguentum--Ungt. An ointment. Syrups--Syr. A syrup. Vinum.--Vin. A wine. Aqua fontana--Aq. font.--Spring water. Aqua destillata--Aq. dest.--Distilled water.

ACIDUM BORICUM--BORACIC ACID--BORIC ACID

DERIVATION.--Made by evaporation and crystallization of a solution obtained by passing steam issuing from rocks in volcanic regions of Italy, through water; or by the action of hydrochloric or sulphuric acids upon borax. Recovered by filtration and recrystallization.

PROPERTIES.--Transparent colorless scales, of a somewhat pearly luster, six-sided tricline crystals, or a light white, very fine powder, slightly unctuous to the touch; odorless, having a faintly bitterish taste, and permanent in air. Soluble in water, alcohol, glycerine, etc.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 drs.; foals and calves, 20 to 30 grs.; sheep and pigs, 30 to 40 grs.; dogs, 5 to 20 grs.

PREPARATIONS

GLYCERITUM BOROGLYCERINI--GLYCERITE OF BOROGLYCERIN

Composed of boric acid, 310 parts; glycerin to make 1,000; prepared by heat (303° F.).

ACTIONS.--Boric acid is a non-volatile, non-irritating antiseptic, deodorant and astringent, it arrests fermentation of minute organisms, free of irritating effects in solution, when applied to wounds; it lessens suppuration, and is as effective as carbolic acid; can be used in any strength from the pure powder or saturated solution to the mildest form.

USES.--Boric acid is indicated for all purposes for which an antiseptic is used; it is used in diarrhoea in foals, calves and dogs, combined with other drugs; it has a slightly astringent action of itself; it is excreted in the urine, consequently would exert its influence on the bladder in cystitis, cystic catarrh; 1 part in 800 prevents the development of anthrax-bacilli; useful in skin diseases, also used in keratitis and catarrhal and purulent conjunctivitis, six to ten grains to the ounce, with atropine or cocaine when very painful. Useful in distemper of dogs where the bowels are affected, as an antiseptic. Boric acid is preferred to carbolic acid as an antiseptic for dogs. On account of the paralyzing effect of carbolic acid on the nerves, it hinders the healing of wounds to a certain extent, while the boracic acid does not.

Boric acid may be applied pure to wounds and sores or mixed with other suitable drugs as a dusting powder. Equal parts of boric acid and zinc oxide make a cheap and effective healing powder; to an itching wound the addition of an equal quantity of acetanilide increases its value. A saturated solution (four per cent) is useful as a vaginal and uterine douche and to flush the bladder in cystitis.

ACIDUM CARBOLICUM CRUDUM--CRUDE CARBOLIC ACID

DERIVATION.--A liquid consisting of several different constituents of coal tar, particularly creosol and phenol, obtained by fractional distillation.

PROPERTIES.--A nearly colorless, or reddish-brown liquid of a strong disagreeable and creosote-like odor, and gradually turning darker on exposure to the air and light. Soluble in fifteen parts of water.

PHENOL--ACIDUM CARBOLICUM--CARBOLIC ACID

DERIVATION.--Obtained from crude carbolic acid by agitation with caustic soda, heating to 338° F., and adding hydrochloric acid. Then by agitation with sodium chloride, digestion with calcium chloride, and distillation at a temperature between 336° F. and 374° F. and finally by crystallization.

PROPERTIES.--Phenol in its pure state is a solid at ordinary temperatures, crystallizing in minute plates or long rhomboidal needles, white or colorless, of a peculiar odor recalling that of creosote, and an acrid burning taste. It is likely to be colored pinkish or brown under the influence of light and air. Soluble in about 19.6 parts of water, and very soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, glycerin, fixed and volatile oils.

ACTIONS.--Phenol in large and undiluted doses is an irritant and narcotic poison; it is used as an antiseptic, parasiticide, antiferment and sometimes used as a local anaesthetic or anodyne in a 2 to 5 per cent solution; also as a caustic, but should not be used as a caustic as a burn from it heals very slowly.

USES.--Internally as a gastric sedative in small doses for vomiting in dogs; is administered in various contagious and infectious diseases with the view of preventing or arresting the development of micro-organisms; it coagulates albumen, is not nearly so active as bichloride of mercury; 1 part to 500 parts of water prevents the growth of anthrax and other bacilli. Full doses produce gastro-enteritis, and collapse, which may end fatally; it is a muscular and nerve paralyzer, both internally and externally, it kills by paralyzing the muscles of respiration and the heart. It is chiefly eliminated from the system by the kidneys, giving the urine a brownish color.

IN SURGERY.--A three to five per cent solution is used for washing out wounds, a two to three per cent for hands, and for itching of the skin, carbolic acid three or four drachms, glycerine two ounces to one pint of water. Do not use over large surface on dogs and not at all on cats.

Phenol treatment for Tetanus, which has given very good results and I would recommend one drachm in three ounces of water, injected hypodermically in the region of neck and shoulder every two or three hours until twelve injections were given and less frequently thereafter.

DOSES.--Of the phenol: Horses and cattle, 10 to 40 grs.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 10 grs.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 gr., well diluted.

TOXICOLOGY.--Dogs and cats are especially susceptible to the action of carbolic acid, therefore great care must be exercised when washing, especially cats, with any preparation containing carbolic acid. Disinfecting and deodorizing cat’s quarters with any preparation containing carbolic acid makes them sick.

ANTIDOTE.--Sulphates of soda or magnesia. Atropine sulphate hypodermically is a very valuable antidote. Alcohol and vinegar have been used with good results, both internally and externally.

ACIDUM SALICYLICUM--SALICYLIC ACID

An organic acid, existing naturally in combination in various plants, but largely prepared synthetically from carbolic acid.

DERIVATION.--Made by passing carbonic dioxide through sodium carbolate at a temperature of 428° F. (220° C.). 2 NaC₆H₅O (sodium carbolate) + CO₂ = Na₂C₇H₄O₃ (sodium salicylate) + C₆H₆O (phenol). Sodium salicylate is treated with hydrochloric acid when salicylic acid is precipitated.

PROPERTIES.--Light, fine, white, needle-shaped crystals, odorless, having a sweetish, afterwards acrid taste; permanent in air. Soluble in alcohol, ether and hot water; borax increases its solubility.

DOSE.--Horses, 2 to 6 drs.; cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep, 1 to 2 drs.; pigs, 30 to 40 grs.; dogs, 5 to 20 grs.; should be given well diluted; large doses are recommended for fevers, but smaller doses more often repeated in rheumatism.

SODII SALICYLAS--SODIUM SALICYLAS

DERIVATION.--Made by the action of salicylic acid on sodium carbonate. The solution is filtered and heated to expel carbon dioxide.

PROPERTIES.--A white amorphous or crystalline powder or scales; odorless and having a sweetish, saline taste. Permanent in air. Soluble in water, alcohol and glycerine.

DOSE.--Same as for salicylic acid.

PHENYLIS SALICYLAS--PHENYL SALICYLATE (Salol)

DERIVATION.--Made by heating salicylic and carbolic acids with phosphorous pentachloride.

PROPERTIES.--A white crystalline powder; odorless, or having a faintly aromatic odor, and almost tasteless. Permanent in air. Insoluble in water, soluble in ten parts of alcohol and readily soluble in chloroform.

DOSE.--Same as for salicylic acid.

ACTIONS.--Salicylic acid, sodium salicylate and phenyl salicylate are powerful antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, diaphoretic, cardiac depressant, antiferment and antipyretic. Salicylic acid is in addition irritant and astringent, continued in large doses is apt to derange digestion; best to be administered on a full stomach.

USES.--For acute rheumatism, influenza, strangles and purpura where there is much sloughing; also as a surgical wash, salicylic acid one part, borax one part to thirty or forty parts of water. Salicylic acid is a more powerful antiseptic than carbolic acid. Salicylic of soda is freely antiseptic. Salicylic acid is highly recommended in intestinal flatulence, given in two drachm doses with one ounce of aromatic spirits of ammonia. In gastric-flatulence give two drachms in capsule, repeat in half hour if necessary.

ACONITUM--ACONITE--MONKSHOOD

DERIVATION.--Aconite is obtained from the root of aconitum napellus, which grows in Northwestern North America, Europe and Asia in mountainous regions, and cultivated in the United States for its beautiful flowers.

PROPERTIES.--The fresh leaves have a faint narcotic odor, most sensible when they are rubbed. Their taste is at first bitterish and herbaceous, afterwards burning and acrid, with a feeling of numbness and tingling on the inside of the lips, tongue and fauces, which is very durable, lasting sometimes many hours. When long chewed they inflame the tongue. The dried leaves have a similar taste, but the acrid impression commences later. Their sensible properties and medical activity are impaired by long keeping. They should be of a green color, and free from mustiness. The root has a feeble earthy odor. Though sweetish at first, it has afterwards the same effect as the leaves upon the mouth and fauces. It shrinks much in drying and becomes darker, but does not lose its acrimony. Those parcels, whether of leaves or roots, should always be rejected which are destitute of this property. Aconite root is officially described as being “slenderly conical, 4 to 10 cm. long, 10 to 20 mm. thick at the crown; occasionally split; longitudinally wrinkled; dark brown and marked with coarse whitish root-scars; fracture short, horny or mealy; internally whitish or light brown; the cambium zone irregular and 5 to 7-angled; odor very slight; taste sweetish, soon becoming acrid and developing a tingling sensation, followed by numbness.”

Preparations of the leaves are not official in the U. S. P. The root is five times stronger than the leaves.

CONSTITUENTS.--The alkaloid representing the action of the drug is aconitine, which is precipitated by ammonia from an aqueous solution of an alcoholic extract of the root of various species. It is a colorless, crystalline or amorphous, gray powder, almost insoluble in water, and soluble in 22 parts of alcohol, in 44 parts of ether and 1 part of chloroform. Its salts are soluble in water. Aconitine or its solutions, unless very dilute, are too poisonous to be tasted.

Commercial preparations vary in purity and strength, and since it is extremely poisonous its internal administration is undesirable. Pseudo-aconitine, aconitine and other alkaloids in combination with aconitic acid have been obtained from aconite, but their identity and chemistry are uncertain.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 3 to 20 grs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 3 grs.; dogs, ¹⁄₁₀ to ¹⁄₁₁ gr.

PREPARATIONS

FLUIDEXTRACTUM ACONITI--FLUIDEXTRACT OF ACONITE

Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water and evaporation. Assayed so that each 100 c. c. contains 0.4 gm. aconitine.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 5 to 20 m.; sheep and pigs. 2 to 5 m.; dogs, ¹⁄₁₀ to 1 m.

TINCTURA ACONITI--TINCTURE ACONITE

Made by maceration and percolation of aconite, 100; with alcohol and water to make 1000.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 20 m. to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 20 m.; dogs, 2 to 10 m.

Fleming’s Tincture (non-official) (79 per cent).

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 8 to 20 m.; dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 2 m.

ACONITINA--ACONITINE

Not used to any extent in veterinary practice; is very unreliable and varying in strength. Aconitine often contains a considerable proportion of aconite and benzaconine, and so varies in activity, which is a great objection to the use of one of the most powerful drugs known.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₃₀ to ¹⁄₅ gr.; dogs, ¹⁄₂₀₀ to ¹⁄₁₀₀ gr. subcutaneously.

Actions of aconite, its preparations and derivative are anodynes and sedatives, acting specially on the peripheral endings of the sensory nerves, on the heart and on respiration. Aconite kills by respiratory arrest.

Its physiological actions as a cardiac and respiratory sedative renders it a febrifuge; it is also diaphoretic and diuretic. It is prescribed in acute febrile conditions, and in the earlier stages of acute local inflammation. It is used topically to relieve pain.