It is perhaps at all times advisable to arrange so that the medicine shall, if possible, be taken after meals, for it is less likely to irritate a full stomach. And when it is thought proper to give it to a patient in fever, a small dose of Tartar Emetic or Ipecacuanha should be conjoined with it--not, of course, sufficient to produce vomiting, but so that an increase of the febrile excitement may be prevented.
Quinine is in all cases better tolerated by the stomach when the dose is considerably diluted with water.
A combination of Quinine and Iron is often of great service in feeble and relaxed conditions, where there is co-existent Anæmia. (_Vide_ p. 129.)
It has been shown, in the article on Chalybeates, that the action of Iron is of a distinctly Restorative nature.
There is in the blood a red colouring matter, called Hæmatosin. It is found by chemical analysis that Iron is an essential part of this substance. The existence of the right amount of Hæmatosin in the blood is of vital importance. It is contained in the red globules of the blood. When it is diminished in quantity, the number of these red globules is lessened in the same proportion. This produces a paleness of all the tissues, an inactivity of the muscular fibre, an impairment of all the animal functions, and a general languor and debility of the whole frame. This is Anæmia.
In all cases in which Iron is used there is a deficiency of this red colouring matter; and in all instances of Anæmia Iron is appropriate as a remedy. The blood has been analyzed before its use, and found to contain a smaller quantity of Hæmatosin and fewer red globules than in health. After its employment the blood has been analyzed again, and it is found that the amount of Hæmatosin and of red globules is increased.
Iron, then, is given in Anæmia. It is also given in cases of Scrofula, Cancer, Chorea, Hysteria, and other disorders, when these are attended with Anæmia. When this last condition is wanting, it seldom proves efficacious.
Iron, when given in moderate doses, remains in the system, and enters into the composition of the blood. It is then a Restorative Hæmatic.
Some of the salts of Iron are also Astringent. Thus the Sulphate and Sesquichloride may, by their topical action on the stomach, be of service in cases of atonic Dyspepsia.