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

For the space of a month I tried to relieve him by fixed alkaly, seneka, Dover's powder, gum ammoniac, squill, &c. but 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

She could not understand why I denied him a Dover's powder.

From The Gates Between by Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart

Medicines.—Ten grains Dover's powder at night is good; unless there is much weakness.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Dover's powder in doses of five grains is useful to assuage cough.

From The Home Medical Library, Volume II (of VI) by Winslow, Kenelm

His own child was so dangerously ill of pneumonia that I went with him to his house, put on a mustard poultice, and administered some Dover's powder.

From Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan, Volume I (of 2) Including a Summer in the Upper Karun Region and a Visit to the Nestorian Rayahs by Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)