Sulphuric ether administered with opium prevents its drying up effects as well as the nauseating and depressing effects. Used for pain from any cause except acute inflammation of the brain. Used in low fevers to support the system when sufficient food cannot be taken, also in irritation of bronchi, bladder, stomach and bowels, as well as the uterus.
In inflammation of the serous membranes which line the abdominal walls (peritonitis) opium can be used freely; combined or alternated with aconite and diuretics is very highly recommended and tends to prevent dropsical conditions.
In inflammation of the serous membrane investing lungs and lining the thorax (pleurisy) opium and aconite will often arrest its development if administered in its first stages.
In diarrhoea and dysentery opium is said to be one of the best medicines we have, it can be combined with acetate of lead, prepared chalk, etc.
In inflammation of the bowels, owing to its effect in binding up the bowels, belladonna alternated with aconite is preferred to opium.
In colds administer Dover’s Powder, or opium, ammonium carbonate, quinine sulphate and camphor.
In spasmodic colic do not use opium, but give hypodermically three to four grains of morphine sulphate; it is non-constipating; also use anodynes, such as cannabis indica, hyoscyamus, etc., are preferable.
In gastritis, opium conjoined with bismuth subnitrate and hydrastis.
In eversion of the rectum or uterus, administer morphine hypodermically to prevent straining.
In muscular spasms opium is very effective.