PILOCARPUS 415 



HOLOCAIN. 



This is a synthetic compound allied to phenacetin, and 

 it is claimed to be superior to cocaine for application to the 

 eye. The anaesthetic effect appears within fifteen seconds 

 and lasts fifteen minutes. It is stated that holocain produces 

 no local irritation of the eye, nor dilatation of the pupil, and 

 does possess an inherent antiseptic action. One to two 

 drops of a one per cent, solution are employed to anaesthe- 

 tize the eye. Holocain is too toxic for hypodermatic appli- 

 cation. 



SECTION v.— DRUGS ACTING ON THE 

 SECRETORY NERVES. 



Class 1. — Pilocarpus and Pilocarpine. 



Pilocarpus. Pilocarpus. (U. S. P.) 



Synonym, — Jaborandi, B. P.; the leaflets of Pilocarpus 

 Selloanus Engler (Rio Janeiro Jaborandi), and of Pilocarpus 

 Jaborandi Holmes (Pernambuco Jaborandi, nat. ord. Ruta- 

 ceae). 



Habitat. — Brazil, in the neighborhood of Pernambuco. 



Descrqjtion. — About 10 to 15 cm. long, and 4 to 6 cm. 

 broad ; short stalked, oval or ovate-oblong, entire and slightly 

 revolute at the margin, obtuse and emarginate, unequal at 

 the base, dull green, coriaceous, pellucid-punctate, mostly 

 smooth; when bruised, slightly aromatic; taste somewhat 

 bitter and pungent 



Constituents. — 1. Pilocarpine, CnHigNjOa (.25-. 5 per cent.), 

 is the alkaloid to which jaborandi owes its principal effect. 



2. Jaborine, CaaHggN^O^, an alkaloid resembling atropine in 

 its action on the heart, pupils, intestines and salivary glands. 

 It occurs occasionally as an impurity in commercial pilocar- 

 pine, to which it is antagonistic. It is soluble in alcohol. 



3. Pilocarpidine, CjoHi^NaOa, an alkaloidal product of the 



