Botanic Remedies 257 



the pancreas, and the glands secreting the succus 

 entericus. The action is antagonized by atropine. 



Pilocarpine contracts the pupil, stimulates peri- 

 stalsis, and contracts the bladder and rectum. 

 There is cardiac inhibition (in animals), contraction 

 of the bronchioles (in animals), and other minor 

 action on muscle. These actions are not the same 

 in all mammals. 



In man pilocarpine causes an increased flow of 

 saliva, sweat, and tears; it accelerates the pulse- 

 rate and causes a feeling of fullness in the head. 

 The heart is not inhibited in man, probably from 

 increased adrenal activity; nor are the bronchioles 

 constricted in man, and for the same reason. Large 

 doses cause emesis and purgation. The pupils con- 

 tract. Death, in man, is from respiratory paralysis. 

 Central effects are more marked in man, and per- 

 ipheral effects are less marked than in the lower 

 animals. 



The other alkaloids of jaborandi are not thought 

 to antagonize the action of pilocarpine. 



THERAPEUTICS. Externally there is no definite 

 action from jaborandi or pilocarpine except that 

 they are alleged to darken the hair and to stimulate 

 its growth; and the salts have an action inferior to 

 eserine in intraocular tension and in producing 

 myosis. 



Pilocarpine is a prompt diaphoretic but a depress- 

 ing one. Its use in uremia is justified, and in dropsy 

 of renal origin it is sometimes indicated. In cardiac 

 dropsy it is too depressing. Generally used hypo- 

 dermatically. 



Its use in intestinal atony has been abandoned 

 whenever hypophyseal extracts are available. 



