PHYSOSTIGMINE — ESERINE 205 



mucus, pancreatic and bile, are increased by stimulation of the 

 nerve endings in the glands. This action may be counteracted by 

 atropine. 



Unstriped Muscle, Eserine tends to cause contractions of the 

 unstriped muscle of the uterus, intestines, bladder, ureters and 

 bronchi. 



Toxicology. The symptoms are: muscular weakness without 

 loss of consciousness, contracted pupils, diarrhea, vomiting. The 

 heart is first slow and the blood pressure good, later the heart is 

 weak and pressure lowered. The respirations are first rapid and 

 deep, then become shallow and labored. (Cases of heaves particu- 

 larly show great dyspnea.) 



Fig. 18. 

 Blood pressure tracing. Cow. Eflfect of eserine upon the heart. (Tracing 



made by Dr. P. A. Fish.) 



Treatment. Atropine is the best antidote for respiratory and 

 digestive symptoms. But treat collapse if necessary. 



Therapeutics. 



1. As a myotic. For this purpose it is employed in % to 1 per 

 cent, solution to counteract the action of atropine, or alternately with 

 atropine to break up and prevent adhesions of the iris. 



2. Stimulate involuntary muscle, as in impaction of the bowels 

 to produce peristalsis. Usually given with pilocarpine to help 

 stimulate secretions. 



Colic. Horse. 



5 Physostigminffi Sulphatis grs. j 



Pilocarpmffi Hydrochloridi grs. iij 



Aqu» q. s ad. 3 j 



M. Ft. Solutio. 



Sig. For hypodermic injection. 



PhvsostigTuine is also useful in atonic conditions of the stomach 

 and bowels and chronic intestinal catarrh in small repeated doses. 



Contraindications. 



1. In impactions and overdistentions of the stomach and intes- 



