300 Botanic Drugs 



pathic literature. Santonin is quite generally official, 

 and wormseed in many standards. See "Artemisia." 



Absorption of santonin is principally from the 

 intestine; if it is absorbed from the stomach toxic 

 symptoms are produced aggravated disturbances 

 of color vision. More or less disturbance always 

 follows full dosage, objects appearing with a blue 

 tinge at first and succeeded by yellow. This action 

 is probably due to an influence on the retina or the 

 visual center. Large doses act as a cerebral ex- 

 citant and the respiratory center is depressed. 



THERAPEUTICS. Santonin expels the round worm, 

 ascaris, and, somewhat less effectively, the thread- 

 worm, oxyuris; it is ineffective against tapeworm. 

 The worms are not killed within the body, but are 

 "stunned" and are readily swept out by a purgative. 

 In order to mask the visual disturbance, the drug 

 is given in the evening; it should be preceded by a 

 light diet and a laxative, and should be followed, 

 after a few hours, by a brisk purge; or, the common 

 plan, calomel is given with the drug. The dose 

 may be repeated each evening for two or three days 

 if no disagreeable symptoms are induced. 



In the case of threadworms, the eggs are liable 

 to be found at the anus. Mercurial ointment should 

 be used to kill them. 



Be careful in administering santonin to young 

 children: two grains has been fatal. If dangerous 

 symptoms appear, empty the stomach and bowels. 

 If convulsions appear, an anesthetic may be de- 

 manded. 



The average dose is 1 grain. Troches usually 

 contain Yi grain. Be sure they are of comparatively 

 recent make or they may not dissolve in the intestine. 



