What Is Best in Tonics?

Many people, and perhaps a few physicians, are inclined to consider the terms "tonic" and "stimulant" as more or less synonymous and interchangeable. This, of course, is not the case, although some agents employed medicinally may partake of the properties of both and be properly known as "tono-stimulants." Strychnia, for instance, is a heart stimulant but may also be considered as a general nerve and systemic tonic when given in small and frequently repeated doses. While a stimulant alone is sometimes indicated in conditions of emergency, its long continuance almost certainly produces an after depression. It is sometimes advisable, however, to give stimulant and tonic together in conditions of serious general depression, the first to "boost" the vitality and the second to hold it at the point to which it has been raised and to restore the general tone of the organism. An ideal combination of this nature is Pepto-Mangan (Gude) to which has been added the proper dose of strychnia, according to indications. This combination is especially serviceable in the convalescence of exhausting diseases such as typhoid fever, pneumonia, La Grippe, etc. It is also of much value when the heart needs support and the general system requires upbuilding. Pepto-Mangan restores vitality to the blood by increasing the number of red cells and the percentage of hemoglobin, and the strychnia assists in rendering the combination a peculiarly efficient general bracer and permanent reconstituent.

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