VERATRINE U. S. P. 97 



Cardiac Muscle. The action upon the heart corresponds exactly 

 with its action on other striated muscle, consisting of a rapid contrac- 

 tion and prolonged relaxation. 



Circulatory System. In general veratrine closely resembles 

 aconite. Therapeutic doses slow the heart through central vagus 

 stimulation. Blood pressure falls on account of slowing of the heart, 

 although there may be some vasomotor stimulation. Large doses 

 paralyze the vagus mechanism, so that the heart is quickened, but 

 blood pressure does not rise because the vasomotor center is so de- 

 pressed. Toxic doses accelerate the heart and cause it to become 

 irregular through paralysis of the heart muscle, vagTis endings and 

 vasomotor center. 



In poisoning, consciousness remains for a long time. Three 

 grains (0.2 gm.) produced toxic symptoms in a horse with symptoms 

 of gastroenteritis, excitement, uneasiness, muscular contractions, con- 

 xTilsions and paralysis. Horses have been killed by doses of from 

 7% to 15 grains (0.5 — 1.), althoiigh there seems to be some idiosyn- 

 crasy in regard to the drug and some difference in the various 

 preparations. Two young horses were killed by doses of 1^4 grains 

 (0.1 gm.) in sixteen and twenty hours respectively, yet these must 

 be considered as ordinary therapeutic doses for the horse. On the 

 other hand, 6 grains (0.4 gm.) have been administered without alarm- 

 ing symptoms (Frohner). 



Therapeutics. Veratrine is not used to a very large extent in 

 this country. In Germany it is recommended for the following: 



1. For the same general class of symptoms for which aconite is 

 indicated. 



2 As an emetic for swine: ^4—% gr. (0.02 — 0.04 gm.) hypo- 

 dermically in 2 to 4 mils of alcohol. Dogs would require gr. %2 — 

 %6 (0.002 — 0.004 gm.) but other agents are to be preferred. 



3. As a stomachic and ruminatorium for various forms of indiges- 

 tion in ruminants. It is also frequently employed as an emetic for 

 ruminants, in overloaded or impacted rumen. 



4. As a nerve stimulant in paralysis of the muscles from various 

 causes, but the indications for it are probably largely overrated. 



5. As an antirheumatic in chronic rheumatism, shoulder and hip 

 lameness of the horse. In this instance it is injected in the region 

 of the diseased muscle, starting with very small doses and gradually 

 increasing them daily. 



Arecovetrol consists of 8 capsules, four of which (A) contains 

 iH grains of arecoline and nux vomica and four of which (B) con- 

 tain 1% grains of veratrine and nux vomica. This is recommended 

 in indigestion in cattle and as a diagnostic agent in traumatic gas- 

 tritis. Dose: Alternate a capsule of A with one of B every two 

 to three hours ; administer in a mucilaginous drink. Eight capsules 

 constitute a treatment. (G. Hailing, Lasdehen, Ostpr., Germany.) 



