Other emetics.
The following articles, if taken in suitable doses, frequently prove emetic, and are occasionally resorted to for this purpose.
In this place we shall merely refer to them as emetics, and postpone their further consideration till the classes to which they more properly belong are taken up.
Polygala.—The Polygala senega, Seneca snake-root, is sometimes used as an emetic. It is mostly prescribed for this purpose in cases of croup, asthma, bronchitis, etc. Dose, grs. xv. to xxx.
Eupatorium.—The Eupatorium perfoliatum, or Boneset, is occasionally prescribed as an emetic. If taken freely in the form of a strong decoction while warm, it produces gentle emesis. Dose, four to six ounces, repeated every ten minutes.
Related entry: Anthemis under tonics
Anthemis.—A strong infusion of the Anthemis nobilis, or European Chamomile, taken freely, acts mildly as an emetic; it may be substituted for more active agents.
Related entry: Anthemis cotula under diaphoretics - Anthemis cotula under tonics
The Anthemis cotula, or May Weed, and the Matricaria chamomilla, or German Chamomile, may be used for the same purpose. In their effects they much resemble each other. Dose, of an infusion of one ounce to one pint of boiling water, four ounces to eight ounces repeated every ten minutes.
Myrica.—The Myrica cerifera or Bayberry, proves emetic if administered in large doses, and is occasionally resorted to for this purpose. Dose of the powder, one drachm, repeated every ten or fifteen minutes.
Related entry: Scilla under diuretics
Scilla.—The Scilla maritima or Squills, is a very acrid emetic. It is occasionally prescribed in croup, asthma, and bronchitis. Dose, grs. vi. to xii.
Nicotiana.—Nicotiana tabacum, or common tobacco, though an active emetic, is rarely used, on account of its being so very prostrating to the patient; moreover, its acro-narcotic powers forbid its frequent internal use. It is occasionally resorted to as an emetic, in cases of great insensibility of the gastric nerves. Dose of the powder, grs. v. to vi.
Sinapis.— The seeds of the Sinapis alba and nigra, or black and white mustard, are direct emetics, and are frequently resorted to for the production of emesis, especially when there is great torpor and insensibility of the nervous system, or when narcotic poisons have been taken. Dose of the pulverized seeds, one drachm to one ounce.
Celastrus.—The Celastrus scandens or False Bitter-sweet, is said to be emetic. One ounce of the bark of the root may be made into a decoction, by adding half a pint of boiling water. Dose, half an ouuce, every fifteen minutes.
Asclepias.—The Asclepias incarnata, or flesh-colored Asclepias, is said to act as an emetic; we have no confidence, however, in its emetic powers.
Zinci Sulphas.— Sulphate of Zinc is employed as an emetic in cases of poisoning; it evacuates the stomach speedily, without giving rise to much nausea or prostration. Dose, grs. x. to grs. xx, in warm water.
Cupri Sulphas.—In cases of poisoning where other agents were not at hand, we should not hesitate to resort to the sulphate of copper to fulfill this indication. It operates speedily, and without much nausea or prostration. Dose, from grs. iv. to grs. xv.
The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.
