In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Parke, Davis & Co. featured cannabis as a primary ingredient in many of their medicines. In an 1894 issue of Therapeutic Notes, the company’s Literary Department featured one such remedy known as Chlor-Anodyne.
According to the company’s in-house editors, Chlor-Anodyne was a potent formula used to treat “the numerous bowel troubles which begin their course with the advent of warm weather.” They boasted that the formula’s “speedy and grateful action” was “extraordinarily popular” due to the “promptness with which its influence is exerted in subduing violent pain and other distressing symptoms,” making it “an essential part of every emergency case during the summer.” Cannabis was a key ingredient, they wrote, because “the peculiar sedative influence exerted by Indian cannabis within the intestinal tract is almost magical.”
The preparation was apparently popular with doctors, judging by the many testimonials praising its “brilliant results” – one reviewer said that it was “not only elegant, but efficient in the highest degree.”
Chor-Anodyne
Therapeutic Notes, May 1894 (Vol 1, No. 2)
[The following editorial expressions, issued from our Literary Department, and representing our message to the medical profession, embody convictions for the assertion of which we assume entire responsibility. – Parke, Davis & Co.]
CHLOR-ANODYNE (Parke, Davis & Co.) is an ethical preparation, manufactured in strict accord with the published formula, never advertised to the public, and unprotected by patent, copyright, or any form of secrecy. It has been subjected to severe clinical tests; and of its value in the numerous bowel troubles which begin their course with the advent of warm weather, there can be no more doubt than of the anti-malarial virtue of quinine. This is strong language, but the glowing praises of Chlor-Anodyne which have invariably followed a fair trial make good our claims.
The key to this extraordinary popularity is the promptness with which its influence is exerted in subduing violent pain and other distressing symptoms. So speedy and grateful is its action that a vial of Chlor-Anodyne should form part of every emergency case during the summer.
Its composition speaks for itself. Each fluid ounce contains:
- Morphine hydrochloride, 2 7/8 grains.
- Tinct. Indian cannabis, 46 minims.
- Diluted hydrocyanic acid, 9 minims.
- Chloroform, 46 minims.
- Oil of peppermint, 1 1/2 minims.
- Tinct. capsicum 1 1/2 minims.
Dose for an adult, 15 minims frequently repeated according to indications.
CHLOR-ANODYNE is stimulant, sedative, antispasmodic. In the first category, we have the oil of peppermint and tincture of capsicum, both of which are rapidly absorbed. Not less readily absorbed are the two most powerful antispasmodics and sedatives known, viz., hydrocyanic acid and chloroform. Furthermore, the peculiar sedative influence exerted by Indian cannabis within the intestinal tract is almost magical; and to this tableau of agencies must be added, finally, the well known properties of morphine muriate.
The clinical experience of many American and foreign physicians with this remedy, as published in medical literature, is summarized in our Working Bulletin which we send gratis on request.
“When indicated I have repeatedly employed Chlor-Anodyne with the most gratifying and brilliant results.” (S. H. POTTER, M.D.)
“Chlor-Anodyne has justly acquired a high reputation as an anodyne. The formula as improved by Parke, Davis & Co. we have found most reliable.” (Southern Medical Record.)
“Despite the fact that I have long used the Gilman chlordane, I find in the preparation devised by Parke, Davis & Co. and sold under the name of Chlor-Anodyne a more efficient and elegant combination. I do not hesitate to say that nothing as yet made is quite so satisfactory.” (E. P. HURD, M.D., Newburyport, Mass., in Therapeutic Gazette.)
“Chlor-Anodyne is not only elegant, but efficient in the highest degree. I have used it in several cases with perfect success. I have learned never to go on a professional visit without my pocket vial of Chlor-Anodyne.” (W. UNDERWOOD, M.D., in New Preparations.)