Dover's powder

Dover's powder (a.k.a. pulvis ipecacuanhae et opii) was a medicine against cold and fever.

Developed in 1732 by English physician Thomas Dover, the powder was an old preparation of powder of ipecacuanha (which was formerly used to produce syrup of ipecac), opium in powder, and potassium sulfate. Initially designed to treat gout, it was later recommended for general pains, insomnia, and diarrhea, among others.

The powder was largely used in domestic practice to induce sweating, to defeat the advance of a common cold, and at the beginning of any attack of fever.

It is no longer in use in modern medicine, but remained reputable until about the 1930s. Its inclusion of opium, an addictive substance, led to its discontinuation of use. Dover's powder was banned in India in 1994.