236 MATERIA MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



Preparation. 



Oleum Copaibge. The oil distilled from Copaiba. Dose, 5 

 to 20 min., with, mucilage or yolk of egg. 



ACTION AND USES. 

 1. IMMEDIATE LOCAL ACTION. 



Copaiva produces an acrid nauseous sensation in the mouth, 

 warmth in the stomach, unpleasant eructations, and gastro- 

 intestinal irritation like other oleo-resins. Large doses or the 

 persistent use of the drug leads to dyspepsia, sickness, and 

 diarrhoea ; and it is contra-indicated in irritable states of the 

 stomach and bowels. 



2. ACTION IN THE BLOOD, AND SPECIFIC ACTION. 



The active principles of copaiva are absorbed into the blood, 

 and pass thence into the tissues. The action of copaiva on the 

 organs and tissues generally is obscure. 



3. REMOTE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



The volatile oil of copaiba is excreted by the kidneys, 

 bronchi, and skin, and the resin at least by the kidneys. All 

 the secretions smell freely of the drug, and the neighbourhood 

 of the patient is pervaded with a characteristic unpleasant 

 odour. In thus passing through the eliminating organs, copaiva 

 stimulates them, altering their secretions and the nutrition of 

 their cells and vessels. The urine is passed more frequently, 

 and usually in increased quantity ; but it may be scanty, witn 

 albumen and blood, pain in the loins, and other symptoms of 

 renal congestion. The albumen thus passed must be dis- 

 tinguished from the acid resin of copaiva which may be thrown 

 down from the urine by nitric acid, and which is dissolved by 

 heat or alcohol. Carried by the urine into the bladder and 

 urethra, and possibly also excreted by the mucous membranes 

 of the same parts, copaiva produces along the whole genito- 

 urinary tract a stimulant and disinfectant effect. A similar 

 influence is produced in the bronchi, and the mucous secretion 

 is increased, and expectoration reflexly excited. The stimu- 

 lation of the skin (and probably the primary gastro-intestinal 

 irritation in part) may sometimes cause an eruption, the 

 " copaiba rash," not unlike that of measles. 



The uses of copaiva depend entirely on its remote local 

 effects, the immediate local effects only suggesting care in its 

 administration. Its chief application is to the geni to -urinary 

 organs. The resin is given as a highly useful diuretic in 



