Sudorifics

Sudorifics, or DIAPHORETICS, remedies to excite the secretions of the skin. The simplest of all diaphoretics are baths, which may be warm baths of water or of vapour, either simple or medicated (see BATH). The most powerful of all, however, as regards educing perspiration is probably the Turkish bath, which consists essentially in the use of a sweating process by means of air heated to a temperature of 140°, or even more. The following remedies, used internally, are powerful diaphoretics: antimony, ipecacuanha, opium (these three either singly or in combination); ammonia, and the carbonate or acetate of ammonia (spirit of mildererus), guaiacum, dulcamara, and sassafras; and, most active of all, pilocarpine, the chief active principle of jaborandi. On most of these substances special articles will be found. A favourite formula is Dover's Powder (q.v.), consisting of a grain of opium, and a grain of ipecacuanha in each ten grains of the powder. This in doses of from five to eight grains, followed by warm drinks and plenty of blankets in bed, usually produces copious perspiration, and is very soothing and useful in many commencing inflammatory and febrile complaints. James's powder (antimonial), in doses of from three to five grains, is often added to the above in domestic prescriptions; but neither of these medicines should be used rashly, as in certain states of the system they may prove dangerous; and they should never be given to very young children.