Calomel is an antispasmodic, alterative deobstruent, purgative, and
errhine.
_Used internally_, combined with opium, it acts as an antispasmodic in
locked jaw, cholera, and many other spasmodic affections. As an
alterative and deobstruent, it has been found useful in leprosy and
itch, when combined with antimonials and guaiacum, and in enlargement
of the liver and glandular affections. It acts beneficially in
dropsies, by producing watery motions. In typhus it is of great
benefit when combined with antimonials; and it may be given as a
purgative in almost any disease, provided there is not any
inflammation of the bowels, irritability of the system, or great
debility.
_Dose_, as a deobstruent and alterative, from one to five grains,
daily; as a cathartic, from five to fifteen grains; to produce
ptyalism, or salivation, from one to two grains, in a pill, with a
quarter of a grain of opium, night and morning.
_Caution_.--When taking calomel, exposure to cold or dampness should
be guarded against, as such an imprudence would bring out an eruption
of the skin, attended with fever. When this does occur, leave off the
calomel, and give bark, wine, and purgatives; take a warm bath twice a
day, and powder the surface of the body with powdered starch.