494 BELLADONNA AND ATROPINE 



acute stages of respiratory diseases in horses ; but it 

 is chiefly indicated in the second stages, when secretion 

 is over-abundant, swallowing difficult, and the throat 

 irritable. 



The noisy respiration accompanying some cases of 

 catarrh, and the loud, prolonged, spasmodic cough of laryn- 

 gitis, are usually relieved by its use. Along with ether or 

 ammonium carbonate, belladonna abates the distressed 

 breathing and cough occurring in bronchitis, as well as in 

 distemper of dogs. In asthma it is useful, by preventing 

 spasm of the bronchial muscle and the consequent constric- 

 tion of the tubes. In cardiac syncope belladonna and 

 atropine are also useful. In colic cases, as well as in 

 enteritis, belladonna is conjoined with opium, and is stated 

 to be specially indicated when the glandular structures of 

 the bowels are implicated. Belladonna is given in obstinate 

 constipation and obstruction of the bowels, with the view 

 of relieving griping, and aiding the action of laxatives ; 

 and in irritable, spasmodic conditions of the rectum it is 

 used in the form of suppository. For controlling the 

 symptoms of tetanus in horses, 3*- ^ 3 n J- f extract 

 may be placed within the teeth several times a day. Neither 

 the crude drug nor the alkaloid confers permanent benefit 

 in epilepsy or chorea. 



Whether prescribed internally, or as an injection, bella- 

 donna allays irritation of the bladder, rectum, and uterus. 

 The extract is sometimes applied to the neck of the uterus 

 to promote dilatation in cases of delayed parturition. In 

 acute mammitis belladonna given internally, and applied 

 locally, is a serviceable anodyne. By diminishing the 

 activity of the secretory nerves, it checks the flow of 

 milk, and allays congestion and inflammation. Belladonna 

 and atropine are antidotes in poisoning by opium, Calabar 

 bean, pilocarpine, and anaesthetics. 



In examinations and diseases of the eye atropine sul- 

 phate or homatropine hydrobromide is used for dilating 

 the pupil, assisting in the detection of cataract, and in 

 testing the condition of the refracting media. For 

 ophthalmic purposes solutions containing grs. ij. to 

 grs. iv. to the ounce of distilled water are employed, 



