STRAMONIUM. 305 



pertussis. It is difficult to over-estimate the value of this drug 

 as a sedative to the respiratory nerves, as compared with opium. 

 The latter also relieves spasm and cough, but tends to paralyse 

 the respiratory centre, and has generally to he avoided. Bella- 

 donna soothes the afferent and efferent nerves of the "bronchi, 

 but strengthens the respiratory centre, and may be given with 

 great confidence. 



Some forms of chronic constipation are relieved by bella- 

 donna, which is here given as the extract combined xisually with 

 aloes. Acute obstruction of the bowels may yield to atropia, 

 with or without morphia. Fissure of the anus and spasm of the 

 sphincter are greatly benefited by its local use as a suppository. 



Belladonna is useful in diseases of the genito-urinary organs, 

 such as chordee, spermatorrhoea, some cases of retention of 

 urine, the nocturnal incontinence of children, and all forms 

 of painful spasm of the bladder, as in calculus, cystitis, and 

 prostatitis. In these cases it is best given as suppository, or 

 applied to the perinseum. 



Belladonna or atropia may be used in poisoning by opium 

 (see Opium, page 198), and by calabar bean. 



5. REMOTE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Atropia is excreted unchanged in the urine, almost imme- 

 diately on its administration : in 10 to 20 hours the last traces 

 have left the body. It increases the urea, phosphates, sulphates, 

 and water, but not the chlorides of the urine ; that is, is 

 diuretic. It cannot be said to be much used for this purpose. 

 In flowing over the ureters, bladder, and urethra, it may again 

 relieve local pain and spasm, as indicated in the last section. 



Stramonii Folia STRAMONIUM LEAVES. The 

 dried leaves of Datura stramonium. Thorn Apple. 

 Collected from plants in flower, cultivated in Britain.. 



Characters. Large, ovate, sinuous, deeply cut ; of a heavy 

 odour, which is strongest while they are drying, and of a 

 mawkish faintly bitter nauseous taste. 



Substances resembling Stramonium leaves : Belladonna 

 Leaves, less wrinkled ; Hyoscyamus Leaves, hairy. 



Stramonii Semina STRAMOTJTTTM SEEDS. The 

 ripe seeds of Datura stramonium. 



Characters. Brownish-black, reniform, flat, rough, in taste 

 feebly bitter and mawkish ; inodorous unless bruised, when 

 they emit a peculiar heavy smell. 

 U 8 



