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REMEDIAL AGENTS. 93

to facilitate their absorption, antacid preparations are adminis-
tered in a state of large dilution.
In dental practice antacids are also employed for correctino;
acidity of the fluids of the mouth, often a result of acid eructa-
tions from the stomach. The class of antacids comprise the
preparations of potassium, sodium, lithium, ammonium, mag-
nesium and calcium. The antacids employed in dental practice
are principally precipitated chalk, lime water, carbonate of soda,
etc.
IRRITANTS.
The medicinal substances recognized as irritants are subdivided
into rubefacients^ epispastics^ suppurants and escharotics.
Rubefacients are agents employed to redden the surface by
exciting the action of the capillaries, and occasioning an afflux
of vascular and nervous power to the part with which they come
in contact; hence pain is a usual consequence of their employ-
ment.
Thev are used for the same purposes as blisters, and are often
a good substitute for them; for example, in low degrees of in-
flammation, as local anodynes, as general stimulants ; their effi-
cacy as such depending upon their action on the capillary circu-
lation, and also on the pain they occasion. They are especially
serviceable in the coma and asphyxia resulting from poisons and
drowning, but in cases of cerebral oppression are inferior to
blisters. Rubefacients are used until redness and pain occur,
but their persistent application will cause vesication, and even
gangrene.
In the class of rubefacients are included mustard, capsicum,
oil of turpentine, ammonia, liniment. Burgundy pitch, Canada
pitch, ginger, black pepper, garlic and spice plaster.
Epispastics, also called vesicants and blisters^ are medicinal
agents, capable of producing, when applied to the skin, inflam-
mation followed by an effusion of serum beneath the cuticle.
As a general rule, blisters should remain on the surface of the
skin six or eight hours, in order to insure their full effect. When
the skin is very delicate a shorter application will answer every