PHARMACEUTICAL PRESCRIPTIONS
The following examples of formulae for asthma and cough were taken from the 1925 Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary. The short passages describing the use of the preparations are contemporary; editorial comments are in italics.
Cocaine Hydrochloride................................. 2 grains
Atropine Sulphate......................................... 1 grain
Sodium Nitrite .............................................15 grain
Glycerine .......................................................2 fluid. Drachms
Distilled Water, sufficient to produce 1 fluid oz.
The active principles of cocaine and atropine are certainly therapeutic. Cocaine will constrict the nasal mucous membranes and relieve bronchospasm and atropine reduces secretions in the lungs.
Unfortunately the side effects of this medication would certainly be troublesome; apart from the euphoria induced by the cocaine, there is a risk of increasing blood pressure and its use can cause a syncopal reaction. Atropine has the side effect of dryness of the mouth and blurred vision due to pupillary dilatation. Its use is contraindicated in glaucoma.
Absolute Alcohol .. .. . ...............................2 fl. oz.
Boric Acid, free from iron ..........................44 grains
Hydrochloric Acid a sufficient quantity.
Eucalyptol .................................................1 fl. oz.
Oil of Gaultheria ........................................192 minims
Castor Oil, sufficient to produce 20 fl. oz.
Dissolve the Boric Acid in the Alcohol, mix the Adrenalin with about 12 fl. oz. of the solution, and add very cautiously just sufficient Hydrochloric Acid to dissolve the Adrenalin, applying it by means of a glass rod which is dipped alternately into the Acid and the Alcoholic solution, and shaking the mixture after each addition of Acid. When solution of the Adrenalin is complete, add the remainder of the Absolute Alcohol, then add the Eucalyptol and Oil of Gaultheria made up to the required volume by the addition of Castor Oil, and filter if necessary. It is important that the Alcohol used in preparing this solution should be absolute, that strong Hydrochloric Acid should be used, and no more of the Acid added than is strictly necessary.
Solution of the Adrenalin should be effected in a perfectly dry vessel, with as little exposure to air as possible. This preparation is suitable for use with an atomiser.
Adrenaline inhaled as a mist is an effective method for relieving bronchospasm and was used for many years until the 1960s when more effective and safer bronchodilators became available. Oil of Gaultheria is a synonym for Oil of Wintergreen
Diluted Hydrobromic Acid ......................................2 1/2 fl. ozs.
Spirit of Chloroform ...................................................3 fl. ozs. 160 minims
Solution of Morphine Hydrochloride......................................... 400 minims.
Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid ...........................................................80 minims.
Tincture of Cudbear ..................................................................160 minims.
Simple Syrup, sufficient to produce 1 pint
Each fluid drachm contains 7 1/2 minims of Diluted Hydrobromic Acid, 10 minims of Spirit of Chloroform, 21 minims of Solution of Hydrochloride of Morphine and 1/2; minim of Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid.
The active principle of morphine is an effective cough suppressant but is highly addictive and regular users would also become very constipated. Note the use of dilute prussic acid in this preparation, the therapeutic effect is doubtful but its use was widespread during this period.
Tincture of Cudbear (Tinctura Persionis,) is a colouring agent, Cudbear is the common name for the lichen Ochrolechia tartarea and for the colouring matter from this and other lichens. The tincture consists of: Cudbear 2 oz with Alcohol (60%) to 20 fl.oz
Lobelia, in powder .................................................. 5ozs.
Stramonium leaves, in powder ..................................5 ozs.
Potassium Nitrate .................................................... 5 ozs.
Oil of Anise ....................................................... .. 10 minims.
Distilled Water, boiling ...........................................10 fl. ozs.
Tea Leaves, in powder .............................................. 5 ozs.
Dissolve the Potassium Nitrate in the water; add the solution to the powders previously mixed; thoroughly dry and add the Oil of Anise.
Asthma inhalants that were burnt and then inhaled were in general use until the 1940s when "asthma cigarettes" were readily available. However the irritant effect of inhaling the products of combustion must have negated the antispasmodic effects of the Lobelia and the Stramonium and this method of administrating drugs fell into disuse.