ACTION OF THE BROMIDES 227 



amounts. Reflex action is diminished owing to the depres- 

 sing effect of the bromides upon the afferent nerves and 

 reflex centres. Finally, with the continuous administration 

 of large doses the motor area of the spinal cord, the motor 

 nerves, and muscles fall under the depressing action of these 

 agents. 



Circulation. — Potassium bromide is a powerful depres- 

 sant to the heart in toxic doses. In the smaller animals, 

 therapeutic amounts exert no appreciable effect upon the 

 circulation. The depressing action of potassium bromide 

 upon the heart is due partly to potassium and partly to 

 bromine. The other bromides are less depressant, and it is 

 safer to administer sodium bromide when large doses of 

 these salts are desirable. The old idea that the beneficial 

 action of the bromides, in relieving nervous excitability and 

 in causing sleep, was due to the production of vasomotor 

 spasm and cerebral anaemia, is now exploded. 



Temperature. — The temperature falls, following the 

 action of toxic amounts of the bromides, owing to vasomotor 

 paralysis, vascular dilatation, and consequent loss of heat. 



Kidneys. — Both the amount of urine and the quantity 

 of urea are increased by large doses of bromides. 



Sexual Organs. — The bromides diminish sexual desire 

 and power. In so doing they either act upon the spinal 

 ■centres or lessen peripheral sensibility of the genito-urinary 

 tract. 



Metabolism. — Carbonic dioxide elimination is notably 

 decreased by the action of large doses of potassium bromide, 

 while nitrogenous elimination from the kidneys is increased. 

 It is therefore doubtful whether tissue change is increased 

 or diminished. 



Elimination. — The bromides are eliminated by all chan- 

 nels and are found in the sweat, urine, milk, saliva, intestinal 

 secretions, etc. 



Uses Internal. — The bromides, being particularly useful 

 in the treatment of functional nervous diseases, do not pos- 

 sess nearly the value in veterinary medicine that they have 



