CHLOROFORM 279 



PREPARATIONS. 



Aqua Chloroformi. (U. S. & B. P.) 

 (Saturated Solution.) 

 Used as vehicle in cough and diarrhoea mixtures for dogs. 



Linimentum Chloroformi. (U. S. & B. P.) 

 Chloroform, 300; soap liniment, 700. (U. S. P.) 



Spiritus Chloroformi. (U. S. & B. P.) 

 Chloroform, 60; alcohol, 940. (U. S. P.) 



Dose.— H. & C, §i.-ii. (30.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); D., 

 3ss.-i. (2.-4.). 



Action External. — Chloroform acts as a rubefacient if 

 rubbed into the skin, or prevented from evaporation by- 

 bandaging. In evaporating from the surface it produces 

 mild refrigeration. Chloroform penetrates the skin more 

 easily than many other agents, and is employed for this 

 reason to aid the absorption of belladonna and other drugs 

 used in liniments. Chloroform possesses some local anaes- 

 thetic action upon mucous membranes, raw surfaces, or 

 when rubbed into the skin. 



Action Interned. — Digestive Tract — Chloroform is an irri- 

 tant in concentration, but, properly diluted, stimulates the 

 flow of saliva and increases the secretions, motion, and blood 

 supply of the stomach. Chloroform has a local anaesthetic 

 and antiseptic action in the alimentary canal, and by its 

 stimulant effect in restoring the normal state of nervous and 

 muscular tissue, relieves spasm, pain and flatulence in the 

 stomach and small intestines. 



Circulation. — Chloroform, unlike ether, does not stimu- 

 late the heart and vasomotor centres, except for a very brief 

 period. On the contrary, ignoring the primary and transi- 

 tory stimulant action just noted, chloroform exerts an ever 

 increasing depressing influence upon the heart muscle, its 

 ganglia, and the vasomotor centres. 



Vasomotor depression leads to dilatation of the arte- 

 rioles and leaking of blood into the veins, with consequent 

 venous engorgement (particularly of the abdomen), and 



