SANTONIN 613 



neutral crystalline absinthin, which is a narcotic poison and 

 spinal stimulant, causing in dogs and rabbits trembling, 

 stupor, and epileptiform convulsions, which may prove fatal. 

 In medicinal doses, it is an aromatic bitter tonic, and a 

 popular remedy for worms. It is the chief active constituent 

 of the liqueur absinthe. 



Santonin. The unexpanded minute flower-heads of 

 Artemisia maritima contain a volatile oil, a resin, and 

 about two per cent, of a crystalline neutral principle, san- 

 tonin (C 15 H 18 3 ). It is soluble in 300 parts cold water, 

 in chloroform, in 40 parts alcohol, fixed oils, and alkaline 

 solutions, and hence in the intestinal juices. It is rendered 

 yellow by sunlight, and gives a violet colour when added 

 to a warm alcoholic solution of potassium. It imparts a 

 blood-red colour to the urine. Large doses cause in dogs 

 grave symptoms and are frequently fatal. At first there is 

 twitching of the head muscles, rolling of the eyes, and grind- 

 ing of the teeth, rotation of the head, then regular epilepti- 

 form convulsions followed by clonic spasms of the limbs and 

 trunk. These are followed by intervals of repose. During 

 the convulsions respiration is irregular and insufficient, and 

 in fatal cases asphyxia results (Cushney). The convulsive 

 effects are probably due to over-stimulation of the cerebral 

 cortex. As antidotes, an emetic and a purgative should 

 first be given to promote excretion. Then such agents as 

 chloroform, potassium bromide, and chloral hydrate to 

 prevent convulsions. Cold water cloths applied to the head 

 are useful, and artificial respiration must be carried out if 

 necessary. Santonin is a vermicide, without effect on 

 taeniae, but destructive to round and thread worms given 

 for the former by the mouth, for the latter by enemata, and 

 most active when combined with castor oil. It is less 

 effective in horses than in pigs and dogs, and is given 

 conjoined with aloes or jalap. Half an ounce mixed with 

 the food serves as a vermicide for fifteen young pigs. As in 

 human practice, it is effectual in checking incontinence of 

 urine in young patients, for this purpose being equal to 

 belladonna and superior to nux-vomica. The B.P. santonin 

 lozenge containing 1 grain of the drug, forms a very con- 

 venient worm medicine for cats and small dogs. Doses. 



