The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Digital Library

Martin H. Smith

Ergoapiol (Smith) in the Successful Treatment of Menstrual Disorders

Ergoapiol was a combination of apiol, an irritant which in high doses can cause liver and kidney damage, and ergot, which reduces blood circulation, can cause hallucinations, and was used to induce abortion. The medicine was sold as "remedies for internal use for the treatment of diseases peculiar to women." The California Medical and Surgical Reporter in 1907 praised its use by stating, "its value as a therapeutical agent is so well known that is not necessary for us to speak of in detail."   

The company also manufactured Glyco-Heroin which was used as a remedy for asthma, coughs, and pneumonia. The mix was one-part heroin and one-part glycerin to make the bitterness of the heroin more palatable.

Both drugs were taken off the market during the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914.