318 Botanic Drugs 



tration as in the intramuscular. Broken compensa- 

 tion and all forms of chronic valvular disease respond 

 well to the treatment; but he emphasizes the point 

 that this is strictly an emergency treatment and is 

 not suited for continuous stimulation, digitalis being 

 preferable and much safer. 



Strophanthin causes very little vasoconstriction 

 and does not raise blood-pressure in medicinal 

 dosage; but it must not be forgotten that it is a 

 muscle poison and very toxic. 



Strophanthus and strophanthin are much more 

 prompt in action than is digitalis. In severe heart 

 cases it is well to begin treatment with strophanthus 

 and follow up with digitalis. In shock and collapse 

 strophanthus is almost invaluable. 



ADMINISTRATION. Don't confuse the different 

 products described. The U. S. P. strophanthin 

 may be given by mouth; ouabain should not be so 

 administered. The best way to use the U. S. P. 

 strophanthin is to dissolve 1-5 grain in 3 fluidounces 

 of diluted alcohol; then give one teaspoonful of this 

 solution, diluted with water as used, three times a 

 day. This alcoholic solution will be absorbed. 

 Don't use the U. S. P. strophanthin intravenously 

 or intramuscularly; use ouabain. 



The tincture of strophanthus of the U. S. P. IX 

 is an admirable preparation that should become 

 very popular with physicians. The preliminary de- 

 fatting of the seed with purified petroleum benzin 

 removes the nauseating oil, and the new tincture is 

 sufficiently strong in alcohol to be stable. Average 

 dose, 8 minims. 



