Enema, Cathar′tic

Syn. Purgative clyster ; Enema cat hart i cum (B. P., Ph. E. & D.), E. laxativum , E. purgativum , L. These have been already alluded to. By increasing the quantity of the active ingredients, a mild laxative or aperient clyster is converted into an active purgative or cathartic one. Prep. 1. (Ph. E.) Senna, 1 ⁄ 2 oz.; boiling water, 16 fl. oz.; infuse an hour, then add of Epsom salts, 1 ⁄ 2 oz.; sugar, 1 oz.; when di olved, further add of olive oil, 1 oz.; and mix them by agitation. 2. (Ph. D.) Epsom salts, 1 oz.; olive oil, 1 fl. oz.; mucilage of barley. 16 fl. oz. Same as enema of sulphate of magnesia, B. P., except that in the latter mucilage of starch is substituted for mucilage of barley. 3. (Ph. D. 1826.) Manna, 1 oz.; compound decoction of chamomile, 1 ⁄ 2 pint; di olve, and add, of olive oil, 1 oz.; Epsom salts, 1 ⁄ 2 oz. 4. Compound decoction of mallows, 1 ⁄ 2 pint; Epsom salts, 3 ⁄ 4 oz.; sweet oil, 2 fl. oz.; mix, as above. Obs. The above are employed in all ordinary cases where the use of an immediate cathartic is indicated.