ACTION OF COPPER SULPHATE 175 



Internal, — In poisonous doses copper sulphate" causes 

 salivation, vomiting, gastro-enteritis, and nervous symptoms 

 (convulsions, paralysis and delirium), and finally, respiratory 

 arrest. The blood corpuscles are broken down, and there 

 is fatty degeneration of the liver and hsemoglobimiria. The 

 treatment consists in emptying the stomach in animals 

 which cannot, or do not, vomit, and the use of yellow prus- 

 siate of potash, together with demulcents and opium. Large 

 doses are emetic to the dog, but should not be used except 

 in phos):)horus poisoning. Smaller doses are astringent in 

 the digestive tract. 



Uses external. — Copper sulphate is employed in the 

 solid, crystalline form in granular conjunctivitis, by rubbing 

 the stick over the affected surfaces of the lids. 



A solution (gr.ss.-ii. to 3 i.) is dropped into the eye for 

 simple conjunctivitis. Copper sulphate is similar in action 

 to zinc sulphate, but more powerful. On ulcerated and 

 granular surfaces it is used as a stimulant and astringent in 

 solution. 



Uses internal. — Copper sulphate is prescribed for its 

 local effect with opium in diarrhoea, and injected into the 

 bowel in 2 per cent, solution in ulcerated conditions of the 

 rectum. Copper sulphate is not a safe emetic, as it may 

 cause poisoning if it is not quickly expelled. The sulphate 

 of copper is a tonic remedy in anaemia and nervous condi- 

 tions. It is thought to resemble arsenic and to stimulate 

 locally the tissues, heart and blood vessels ; thus increasing 

 the number of corpuscles, firmness of flesh and amount of 

 fat. Copper sulphate is often used as a tonic in the treat- 

 ment of lumbricoid worms and ozoena, combined with iron. 

 It is recomended in purpura, and is given to dogs in the 

 form of arsenite of copper for chorea and epilepsy. Glanders 

 and farcy are treated with copper sulphate, but these diseases 

 are rarely curable and are too dangerous to the community 

 to warrant drug treatment. 



