SALICYLIC ACID 121 



causes nausea and vomiting in those aninials capable of vomiting and 

 on this account the sodium salt is most often used because it is less 

 irritating to the stomach. The acid has some reputation as an anti- 

 septic upon the contents of the stomach but there is much doubt 

 concerning its effect upon the number of bacteria. The volatile oils 

 are carminative. 



Circulatory System. Small doses may slightly raise blood 

 pressure, according to some authorities, by some probable constriction 

 of the deep vessels by central action. The peripheral vessels are 

 dilated. Larger doses are said to make the heart beat faster and 

 stronger and raise blood pressure but toxic doses finally lower blood 

 pressure. The migration of the leucocytes is restrained or checked 

 but their number is increased. 



Nervous System. There is very little action upon the nervous 

 system. It is an analgesic like acetanilid but very much weaker. 

 Toxic doses cause cerebral congestion and lessen reflex action but the 

 method of action is unknown. 



Respiratory System. There is no important action upon this 

 system. Small doses stimulate, quicken and deepen the respirations 

 through action upon the respiratory center and pulmonary vagi. 

 Toxic doses paralyze the respiratory center and cause death by 

 asphyxia. 



Temperature. There is no effect upon the temperature of 

 healthy animals through medicinal doses, but in febrile conditions 

 the temperature will be lowered in a short time and remain down 

 ^r several hours. Heat production is lessened and heat loss is in- 

 creased. 



Absorption and Elimination. The acid is not absorbed from 

 the unbroken skin. It is converted into the sodium salt in the stomach 

 and absorbed as such from the stomach and intestines. It is elimi- 

 nated by most secretions but chiefly by the kidneys as salicyluric acid, 

 although a part is eliminated unchanged. It is eliminated to some 

 extent through the bile, milk, sweat and inflammatory exudates. 

 Elimination is slow and on this account large doses taken continu- 

 ously may be cumulative. 



Urine. The total amount of urine is increased together with 

 uric acid and urea. 



Therapeutics. 



Externally. 1. The acid may be used as a surgical antiseptic, 

 in the form of a dusting powder, alcoholic solution or ointment. 



2. To soften and remove callosities and warts, corns, etc., upon 

 which it may be applied either as an ointment or in solution. 



3. As a parasiticide for various fungus skin diseases, either in 

 alcoholic solution or an ointment. 



4. In human practice in an alcoholic solution to check excessive 

 sweating of the hands and feet. 



