INTERNAL SECRETIONS. 235 



HYDRATES and CARBONATES of the ALKALIES (continued). 



Therapeutics. 



The Hydrates and Carbonates are used in weak solutions as antacids, affecting 

 the alimentary tract, the blood, and the urine. 



The most satisfactory drug of this class is sodium bicarbonate. 



Dosage. 



Sodii Bicarbonas, 0.5 to 2 Gm. 



Calcium salts are absorbed very slowly, and in minute quantities. They have no 

 obvious action except in cases showing deficiencies of lime. As an antacid, lime is 

 inferior to sodium bicarbonate, because of its interference with digestive processes. 



Calcium is an essential element in the blood for maintaining normal cardiac 

 rhythmicity, and for the development of fibrin ferment ; it is also essential to normal 

 bone-growth. 



Calcium is excreted by the epithelium of the large intestine. 



Therapeutics. The only condition where lime is positively known to have been 

 of benefit is in cases of tetany. 



INTERNAL SECRETIONS. 



Thyroid Extract is derived from the dried thyroid glands of sheep. 



Pharmacodynamics. 



Elicited by large doses. 



Central Nervous System. Obscure irritations of the higher centers, the medulla, 

 and the anterior columns of the cord. 



Muscular System. Efficiency lowered, probably reflexly. 



Respiration. No effect. 



Heart accelerated and weakened; centric. An inconstant result. 



Blood-pressure lowered; probably as a reflex. 



Alimentary tract is irritated. 



Secretary Glands. Kidney epithelium lowered in vitality. 



Metabolism. Thyroid increases protein waste, fat oxidation, fluid elimination, 

 nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, and modifies to some extent the metabolism of 

 carbohydrates. 



Excretion. A part of the contained iodine is excreted in the urine in the form 

 of iodides. 



Symptoms. 



Cranial congestion, acceleration and palpitation of the heart, muscular weakness, 

 tremors, diarrhea, increased urine, thirst, loss of weight. 



Therapeutics. 



Thyroid seems specific in some forms of sporadic cretinism. It is also of benefit 

 in cachexia thyreopriva, and sometimes in some types of myxoedema. 



Dosage. 



Thyroideum Siccum, 0.2 Gm. 



