What
are Douches?
Douches
are aqueous solution directed against a part or into a body cavity
for cleansing and antiseptic agent.
There
are several kinds of douches:
- Eye douche. It is used to remove foreign particles and discharges from the eyes and is directly given at an oblique angle and allowed to run from the inner to the outer corner of the eye.
- Pharyngeal douche. It is used to prepare the interior of the throat for an operation and to cleanse it in suppurative conditions.
- Nasal douche
- Vaginal douche
- Urethral douche
These
are referred to as irrigation possessing antiseptic, astringent, or
soothing action and are prepared immediately before use by dissolving
the medicament in the required amount of water.
Douches
are usually introduced to the appropriate body cavity by the use of
bulb syringe. They are dispensed in powdered form with directions for
dissolving in a specified quantity of warm water (Dobell's Solution
Tablets). Tablets or powders must be free from insoluble material to
produce clear solution. Lubricant or diluents used in the tablet must
be readily soluble in water, example boric acid as lubricant; sodium
chlorides as diluent. Several compounds of the USP XVII or NF XII are
employed as such in a weak solution example, Benzalkonium Chloride
USP in various douches and compounds. Sodium Borate Solution NF XI as
a nasal or pharyngeal douche.
What
are Enemas?
Enemas
are rectal injection used to evacuate the bowel, influence the
general system by absorption, or to affect locally the seat of
disease. They possess anthelmintic, nutritive, sedative, or
stimulation properties, or may contain radiopaque substance for
roentgenographic examination of the lower bowel. Enemas are usually
given at body temperature in quantities of 1 or 2 pints injected
slowly with a syringe. They should be used in larger quantities than
6 fluid ounces for an adult if enema is intended to be retained in
the intestine.
Starch
enemas may be used either by itself or as a vehicle for other forms
of medication. Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium
Monhydrogen Phosphate and Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate are used as
enemas either alone or in combination with irritants as soap.
