American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

In chronic congestion of the liver, or splenitis, quinine dissolved in the
tincture of the chloride of iron, and combined with syrup of orange or
simple elixir, produces satisfactory results.
In the prostrating night sweats following malarial fever this agent, in the
above combination, is a fine tonic, quickly overcoming the sweating and
other results of the disease.
Where paludal miasm is the cause of various indefinite disorders, or of
general malaise, the phenomena occurring periodically, quinine should
be given to anticipate the unpleasant symptoms. Dumb ague, hemicrania
and severe general headaches, neuralgias of various kinds and asthmatic
attacks occur from this cause and are satisfactorily treated with this
remedy. It may be afterward given as a tonic, in combination with any
other tonic agent which may be specifically indicated.
Quinine has a direct power in inducing contraction of the parturient
womb, especially if from inefficient strength the labor has been prolonged
until the nervous force of the patient is well nigh exhausted. If fifteen
grains be given in one dose, it may overcome all undesirable conditions
at once and prove sufficient. The contractions are normal in frequency
and of regular character and force.
It thus overcomes inertia and will prevent post-partum hemorrhage. It is a
good remedy for this latter condition when it has occurred, acting also as
a stimulant to the heart and nervous system. It is a dangerous remedy in
large doses during pregnancy, as it may bring on premature labor.
In amenorrhea, from cold it is useful and may be prescribed alternately
with aconite, after a hot bath has started secretion from the skin.
As a stimulating antiseptic it has been used as a wash in very many
conditions. In sluggish ulcers and old sores, where there is no activity to
the capillary circulation, it may be applied with good results. It is useful
in threatened gangrene and in chilblain. It was at one time extensively
used as a throat wash in diphtheria, and to its antiseptic character is
credited its beneficial influence upon whooping cough, having been
much depended on for the cure of that disease.
A douche made by dissolving six or eight grains in a pint of hot water will
be found of service in chronic catarrh, with fetid discharge, and in hay
fever. In the latter condition, full doses internally, three times a day, will
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 131