Dover's powder

American  

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a powder containing ipecac and opium, used as an anodyne, diaphoretic, and antispasmodic.

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Dover's powder British  

noun

1. a preparation of opium and ipecacuanha, formerly used to relieve pain, induce sweating, and check spasms

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Etymology

Origin of Dover's powder

1795–1805; named after T. Dover (1660–1742), English physician

Example Sentences

Small doses of calomel, Dover's powder, infusum amarum, and sal sodæ palliated his symptoms for a while; these failing; blisters, squills, and cordials were given without effect.

From An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases by Withering, William

Or the following may be given four times a day: One dram Dover's powder, 6 grains powdered ipecacuanha; mix, divide into 10 equal parts.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry

He immediately recommended an old-fashioned Dover's powder and ventured the opinion that "good sweat" would soon put his lordship on his feet, "better than ever."

From The Man from Brodney's by McCutcheon, George Barr

"What's in a Dover's powder?" demanded the patient, who had never been ill in his life.

From The Man from Brodney's by McCutcheon, George Barr

He invented a diaphoretic powder containing ipecacuanha and opium, which is used to this day, and is still known as Dover's powder.

From The Pirates' Who's Who Giving Particulars Of The Lives and Deaths Of The Pirates And Buccaneers by Gosse, Philip