The advertising matter says of the merits of the formula:
“Despite the fact that heroin, which is universally recognized as an invaluable respiratory sedative, is a conspicuous element of Glyco-Heroin, Smith, the other constituents, henbane, ammonia hypophosphite, balsam tolu and white pine bark are factors of no less importance; indeed, it is through the concerted action of its several ingredients that the preparation proves so notably beneficial in the class of affections in which it is indicated. The constantly increasing popularity of the preparation in the treatment of respiratory affections is the best adducible evidence of its value in such disorders.”
The absurdity of this assertion will be appreciated on comparing the nature, quantities and activities of the several ingredients. Thus, while heroin, a potent habit-forming drug, is present in unusually large proportions, tolu, an innocuous or comparatively harmless product, is said to be represented by 1⁄4 grain, a relatively small quantity, hardly sufficient to impart even a distinctive taste or flavor. Ammonium hypophosphite, in the amount said to be present, may be considered to be practically useless, while the dose of hyoscyamus, an additional narcotic, is fairly large. The white pine bark present is probably as active as would be a corresponding amount of white pine shavings or of turpentine sufficient to give the preparation a slight odor. The vehicle, glycerin, is claimed to be “notably advantageous,” but not a word occurs in the discussion by the manufacturer in regard to the presence of alcohol, which is certainly quite as active medicinally as the balsam of tolu and contributes fully as much to the flavor or taste of the preparation as does the white pine bark.
In prominent type on the outer label of the trade package we are told that the preparation is intended for the treatment of “COUGH, ASTHMA, PHTHISIS, PNEUMONIA, BRONCHITIS, LARYNGITIS, WHOOPING-COUGH AND KINDRED INFECTIONS.” In much smaller type: “Glyco-Heroin (Smith) is distinctly a product designed expressly for the use of physicians.” The circular included with the trade package, however, bears statements which would tend to encourage self-drugging by the layman, and in view of the manner in which the preparation is exploited are undoubtedly intended to do so. For instance:
“Bronchitis.—In the acute form of bronchitis, Glyco-Heroin (Smith) acts most happily. It tends to diminish the congestion and inflammation of the lining of the air passages, relieves the pain and institutes repair....
“Phthisis.—In the treatment of the cough of phthisis, Glyco-Heroin (Smith) is used with the most gratifying results. It checks the night sweats, acts favorably upon the reflexes, increases expectoration and induces refreshing sleep.
“Asthma.—The preparation diminishes the intensity of the paroxysms and lengthens the intervals between their recurrence. By the administration of the preparation, asthmatic attacks can frequently be aborted.
“Pneumonia.—In the initial stage of pneumonia, the preparation exercises a calming, antipyretic and sedative effect. In the latter stages of the disease, the analgesic and expectorant properties of the product are well displayed.
“Whooping-Cough.—Administered in doses of from five to ten drops this preparation affords surprisingly satisfactory results. The cough rapidly loses its spasmodic character and the frequency of the paroxysms is considerably diminished.”
How cruelly misleading the literature put out by the manufacturer of this nostrum is, will be apparent from a comparison of the rather large dose of heroin in a teaspoonful of the nostrum and the directions on the package that: