Cataplasma Carbonis.—Charcoal Poultice.
Related entries: Carbo Ligni (U. S. P.)—Charcoal - Cataplasms
SYNONYM: Charcoal cataplasm.
Preparation.—Macerate bread, 2 ounces, with water, 10 fluid ounces, for a short time near the fire; then gradually add and mix with it powdered flaxseed, 10 drachms, stirring so as to make a soft cataplasm. With this mix powdered charcoal 2 drachms, and when prepared for application, sprinkle 1 drachm of charcoal on the surface of the cataplasm (Lond.).
The British Pharmacopoeia differs merely in directing 2-12 ounces of meal, and in employing ½ ounce of wood charcoal.
Action and Medical Uses.—Charcoal, properly prepared, has the property of removing the fetid odor evolved by gangrenous and phagedenic ulcers, for which the above cataplasm is designed. It should be renewed 2 or 3 times in every 24 hours.
