SANTONIN. 



233 



SANTONIN. 



Santonin (Ci5H 18 O3 = 244.29) is the lactone of santonic acid, . derived from 

 the flower heads of Levant Wormseed (Artemisia paucifiora), a plant of Northern 

 Turkestan and Russia. 



Pharmacodynamics. 



Central Nervous System. Santonin is an irritating stimulant of the cortex and 

 basal ganglia, and later of the synapses ^of the spinal cord. 



Muscular System. No direct action known. 



Respiration is not altered until late, when asphyxia ensues from centric action. 



Heart. No alteration. 



Blood-pressure. No effect except in late acute poisoning, when there is a reflex 

 fall from general collapse. 



Eye. Santonin alters the violet-sensitive substance in the retina, a xanthopsia 

 resulting. 



Alimentary Tract. Mildly irritant. 



Secretory glands are apparently not affected. 



Metabolism. No constant change noted. 



Temperature not affected. 



Absorption is very prompt by both stomach and intestines. 



Local Action. None. 



Symptoms. 



Therapeutic Doses. 



Slightly bitter taste. 

 Disturbance of color sense, violets 



being diminished and yellows 



accentuated. 



Toxic Doses. 



Unilateral twitching of head muscles. 



Rolling of eyes. 



Grinding of teeth. 



Nausea and vomiting. 



Confusion. Possible aphasia. 



Epileptifonn convulsions. 



Coma and asphyxia. 



Therapeutics. 



Santonin is used for the expulsion of the round worm, Ascaris lumbricoides. 

 The diet should be much restricted for the preceding 24 hours. Four hours after ad- 

 ministering the drug, a full dose of castor oil should be given. 



Dosage. 



Santoninum, 0.03 to o.i Gm. 



Trochisci Santonini, each contains 0.03 Gm. Santonin. 



Quassia. Infusions of Quassia are used to free the lower bowel of threadworms, 



It probably acts by stupefying the parasite. 



being used in the form of enemata. 



