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PEPSIN. —;
499
PEPSINUM—PEPSIN.
Source.—Pepsin is obtained by digesting the mucous mem-
brane of the stomach of the pig, calf or sheep, which has been
scraped off, chopped finely, and macerated for several days in
water, in a solution of muriatic acid, from which the pepsin is
precipitated with chloride of sodium. The medicinal preparation
is in the form of a nitrogenized, light, amorphous, grayish-white
or fawn-colored powder, soluble in water and alcohol, and of a
peculiar odor, and bitter, nauseous taste. When quite pure, it is
both tasteless and inodorous. When decomposed by heat it no
longer possesses digestive properties, and much of what is sold is
almost or wholly inert. Pure pepsin is an artificial digestive.
Medical Properties and Action.—Pepsin is an essential consti-
tuent of the gastric juice, and digests the nitrogenous constituents
of the food, converting them into peptones. Taken internally,
as a medicinal preparation, pepsin increases the appetite and
allays irritability of the stomach. It should be administered
immediately before meals, and no hot food taken for some time
afterward.
Therapeutic Uses.—Pepsin is employed in dyspepsia, gastralgia,
obstinate vomiting, infantile diarrhoea, apepsia of infants, vomit-
ing of pregnancy, cancer and chronic ulcer of the stomach,
anemia, chlorosis, atrophy, etc. Externally it is injected into
cancerous tumors and morbid growths with the hypodermic
syringe, to retard their progress.
Dose.—Of pepsin suspended in syrup, saccharated pepsin
Pepsinum saccharatutn gr. v to gr. x. Syrup of orange peel will
disguise its odor. Vinum Pepsini. Dose, oss to oj- Glycerinum
Pepsini. Dose^ 5ss to 5j-
Both the saccharated pepsin and the glycerole are unchange-
able.
Pepsin appears to be especially efficient in cases of children
and when pepsin and a small quantity of hydrochloric acid are
added to animal broths given by the rectum, in cases where food
is rejected by the stomach, such nourishment is very beneficial.
Dental Uses.— In dental practice, pepsin is successfully em-
ployed in the treatment of putrid pulps of teeth, as an antiseptic