Medicinal brandy

Resuscitation. 2011 Jul;82(7):951-4. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2011.03.005. Epub 2011 Mar 22.

Abstract

This paper describes the use of brandy and other forms of alcohol in the latter part of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its prime use was as a cardiac stimulant as it seemed to increase the cardiac output and blood pressure. However it was also recognised as a depressant and was used as a sedative. Reconciling these two actions caused difficulties. In addition it was used as a food for invalids.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Cardiac Output / drug effects
  • Ethanol / history*
  • Heart Arrest / history*
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Resuscitation / history*
  • Resuscitation / methods
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Ethanol