demulcent (redirected from alimentary demulcent)

demulcent /de·mul·cent/ (de-mul´sint)

1. soothing; bland.

2. a soothing mucilaginous or oily medicine or application.

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de·mul·cent (d-mlsnt)

adj.

Relieving irritation; soothing.

n.

A soothing, usually mucilaginous or oily substance, such as glycerin or lanolin, used especially to relieve pain in inflamed or irritated mucous membranes.

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demulcent

[dimul′sənt]

Etymology: L, demulcere, to stroke down

1  n, any of several oily substances used for soothing and reducing irritation of surfaces that have been abraded or irritated, especially mucosal surfaces.

2  adj, soothing, as a counterirritant or balm.

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demulcent

1. soothing; bland.

2. a soothing mucilaginous or oily medicine or application.

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alimentary demulcent

substances of high molecular mass and good solubility that lubricate, coat and protect the mucosa of the upper alimentary tract. Usually they mask unpleasant tastes, stabilize emulsions, and act as suspension agents. Methyl cellulose, gum tragacanth, agar, mineral oil and propylene glycol are used for this purpose.

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demulcent

Pharmacology A protective, often viscid preparation, used to alleviate irritation of mucous membranes or abraded skin; by providing a rapid cover, the effects of local mechanical, chemical or bacterial irritants are diminished, as is pain and spasms, and drying prevented. See Binding agent.