PHYSOSTIGMA 



241 



poisoning. Its greatest value in internal medicine is as a stimulant 

 to intestinal muscles in paralytic forms of colic, but especially in 

 chronic constipation in conjunction with cathartic drugs. 



Physostigmine stimulates the secretory nerve-endings of glands 

 and the nerve-endings of striated and smooth muscle. It therefore 

 antagonizes the effects of atropine and curare. 



FIG. 131. Physosligma venenosum Portion of plant and fruit. 



If a drop of i : 200 aqueous solution of eserine is placed in the eye, 

 contraction of the pupil begins in one or two minutes and reaches its 

 maximum in one-half to one hour. 



When the alkaloid calabarine is present in excess in the drug, and 

 is taken in overdose, convulsions develop. Dose of drug: i to 4 gr. 

 (0.065 to 0.25 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Physostigminae Salicylas, Dose: ^20 to ^ gr. (0.0005 to 0.00216 Gm.). 



Extractum Physostigmatis, Ho to % gr. (0.0064 to 0.0324 Gm.). 



Tinctura Physostigmatis (10 



per cent.), 10 to 4O_Trji (0.6 to 2.6 mils). 



16 



