352 VEGETABLE DUUGS 



Uses, — Apomorphine is a reliable, prompt and powerful 

 emetic. The alkaloid is generally given under the skin and 

 can be administered along with zinc sulphate or other emetic 

 in poisoning. In narcotic poisoning, as with chloral or 

 opium, apomorphine — like other emetics— may fail to act 

 efficiently. In the first stage of acute bronchitis, apomor- 

 phine is useful in canine practice, and again in the later 

 stage, when the animal becomes choked with exudation. 

 The drug, in a mild emetic dose, will aid recovery by causing 

 violent expiratory efforts during vomition, and these tend to 

 expel secretions, which is furthermore assisted by the action 

 of the alkaloid in rendering the secretions less viscid. 

 Chronic dry bronchitis of dogs is likewise benefited by 

 apomorphine. 



The alkaloid decomposes in crystal, and rapidly in solu- 

 tion, becoming toxic and of a green hue. Solutions should 

 be freshly prepared and are said to be preserved by the 

 addition of a few drops of hydrochloric acid. 



Class 2. — Stimulating the Brain. 



Belladonna Folia. Belladonna Leaves. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Deadly nightshade, E.; folia S. herba bella- 

 donnse, feuilles de belladonne, Fr.; tollkraut, toUkirschen 

 blatter, wolfkirschen- blatter, G. 



Derivation, — The leaves of Atropa Belladonna Linne 

 (Nat. ord. solanacese). Leaves from 10 to 15 cm. long, from 

 5 to 10 cm. broad; broadly ovate, equilaterally narrowed 

 into a petiole, tapering at the apex, entire on the margin, 

 smooth, thin ; the upper surface brownish-green, the lower 

 surface greyish-green; both surfaces whitish punctate; 

 odor slight ; taste bitterish, disagreeable. 



Constituents. — Two alkaloids ; 1, atropine, the chief one, 

 representing the action of belladonna ; and, 2, hyoscyamine. 



Atropine is now considered to be an artificial product 

 of hyoscyamine, and therefore tliH latter to be the natur.l 



