The Enduring Legacy of Percy Medicine
Percy Medicine, a remedy with roots in the late 19th century, continues to be a go-to for many households dealing with stomach ailments. Its story began in 1898 when a traveling salesman, A.W. Percy, sought a remedy for his ill infant son. A doctor in Kentucky provided a liquid concoction that worked so well that Percy later had it recreated by a pharmacist named W.S. Merrick in Waco, Texas. This partnership led to the formal establishment of the Merrick Medicine Company in 1904 to produce and sell the formula. Originally called "Baby Percy Medicine," the name was changed in 1938 to just Percy Medicine. Despite rumors, the product has never been officially discontinued. While the original manufacturing plant in Waco ceased operations in the early 21st century, production was outsourced to a pharmaceutical plant in East Texas and continues under the ownership of Ruth Miller.
Pharmacology and Active Ingredients
The primary active ingredient in modern Percy Medicine is Bismuth Subsalicylate. This compound is also the active ingredient in well-known products like Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate. Bismuth subsalicylate works in several ways to alleviate digestive distress. It has antacid properties to neutralize stomach acid, anti-inflammatory effects to soothe irritation, and it can reduce the flow of fluids into the bowel, which helps control diarrhea. It also possesses mild antibacterial properties.
Historically, the formulation included bismuth subnitrate, calcium hydroxide, and potassium carbonate as active ingredients. The modern formulation also includes several inactive ingredients such as calcium hydroxide, citric acid, ethyl alcohol (5%), glycerin, gum arabic, oils of cinnamon and orange, potassium carbonate, rhubarb fluidextract, sugar, and water.
Indications and Usage
Percy Medicine is an over-the-counter medication indicated for the relief of various symptoms associated with digestive upset. These include:
- Diarrhea and traveler's diarrhea
- Upset stomach from overindulgence in food and drink
- Heartburn and acid indigestion
- Nausea and fullness
It works by helping to firm stool and reduce the number of bowel movements. It is important to follow the directions on the product packaging regarding the frequency of administration and the maximum daily amount. It is not recommended for more than two days, and a doctor should be consulted for children under 12. A key safety warning notes that, like aspirin, it contains salicylates and should not be given to children or teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Comparison with Modern Alternatives
While Percy Medicine remains available, the market for digestive health products is dominated by several other brands. Understanding how they compare can help consumers make informed choices.
| Feature | Percy Medicine | Pepto-Bismol / Kaopectate | Imodium (Loperamide) | Tums (Calcium Carbonate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Bismuth Subsalicylate | Bismuth Subsalicylate | Loperamide | Calcium Carbonate |
| Primary Use | Diarrhea, Upset Stomach, Heartburn, Nausea | Diarrhea, Upset Stomach, Heartburn, Nausea | Diarrhea control | Heartburn, Acid Indigestion |
| Mechanism | Coats stomach, anti-inflammatory, reduces fluid secretion | Coats stomach, anti-inflammatory, reduces fluid secretion | Slows down gut movement to allow more water absorption | Neutralizes stomach acid |
| Side Effects | Temporary darkening of stool/tongue | Temporary darkening of stool/tongue | Constipation, fatigue | Constipation, gas |
| Reye's Syndrome Risk | Yes, contains salicylates | Yes, contains salicylates | No | No |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Percy Medicine is not discontinued and remains a trusted remedy for many, backed by a legacy of over a century. Its continued production by the Merrick Medicine Company ensures its availability for long-time loyal customers and new users alike. With its active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, it functions similarly to mainstream products like Pepto-Bismol, offering reliable relief for common digestive issues. While the original Waco, Texas, production building has been repurposed, the medicine itself lives on, a testament to its enduring effectiveness and place in American medicinal history.
For more detailed drug information, you can visit the DailyMed page for Percy Medicine.
