American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

system, stimulating the glandular apparatus of the intestinal tract to
more perfect secretion, and increasing peristaltic action. It is especially
indicated in torpidity or atonicity, quickly restoring functional activity.
It is not a cathartic in the common acceptation of the term, but by
restoring normal function, by its tonic influence, bowel movement of a
natural character follows.
It does not mechanically liquefy and empty the intestinal canal, but it
restores normal elasticity and tone to the relaxed structures, and natural
vermicular motion and peristaltic action, exercising a direct influence
upon muscular structure of the intestinal walls. It materially influences
the venous and capillary circulation of the entire intestinal tract, thus
proving of much value in hemorrhoids.
Administration—In prescribing cascara for the cure of chronic
constipation, large doses at the first are undesirable. If a single dose, so
large as to produce a cathartic effect be administered, subsequent small
doses will prove insufficient to restore tone, and the constipation will
remain unless the large dose is constantly repeated. If a dose of from two
to ten drops in a proper vehicle be given, three, four or five times daily for
many days, even if the constipation does not at first yield, the effects after
a few days are usually salutary. There is a normal movement in the
morning and the habit of regular evacuation can be soon fixed, and as
the agent is continued the dose may be slowly decreased until a single
drop at each dose is given. Finally, a single small dose morning and
night may be continued for a time and then stopped, the bowels
continuing their normal action.
If constipation pre-exists, it is well to give a simple laxative or to flush the
bowels thoroughly with some other agent before beginning the use of this,
to overcome the chronic condition. The results can be sooner obtained
also by smaller doses.
Therapy—Large doses of the agent produce colic and are seldom needed.
In the temporary constipation of pregnancy or in the convalescence of
acute disease, doses of from one-fourth to one-half dram in a tonic
mixture, preferably of malt extract, taken at the bed hour will be most
satisfactory. Often a single dose followed by a glass of cold water on rising
will have a salutary effect. This is true of constipation extending over a
short period, not necessarily chronic. To produce an immediate effect as
a physic, a dram of the fluid extract should be given, and it will probably
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 371