208 STIMULANTS TO PERIPHERAL NERVES 



3. May be substituted for eserine for action on the eye (% per 

 cent). 



4. Diaphoretic. 



5. To remove waste matter from the blood and in cardiac dropsy. 

 It is not very effective in these conditions of the lower animals, be- 

 cause the secretion of sweat is not greatly increased as in man. 



6. The fluid extract is added to hair tonics to stimulate the 

 growth of hair. 



Contraindications. 



1. It should not be given to animals suffering with heart or lung 

 disease. 



2. In colic where the heart is weak. 



3. It is contraindicated in pharyngitis or tetanus because the ani- 

 mal cannot swallow easily and may drown in the saliva. 



4. May produce abortion in pregnancy. 



ARECOLIN.iE HYDROBROMIDUM 



Arecoline is the most important alkaloid of Areca ISTut. See 

 p. 279. 



Doses. Horse and Cow. gr. ss — jss; 0.03 — 0.07 subcutem. 

 Repeated once or twice at 15 — 30 minute intervals. Dog. 

 yi2— 1 gr. ; 0.005—0.065 per os. 



Externally and Locally. There is no action. 



Digestive System. It is a strong stimulant to peristalsis and 

 secretions, combining the action of eserine and pilocarpine. Feces 

 are discharged in from 15 to 30 minutes after its administration. 

 Arecoline is a much stronger sialagogue for the horse than pilocar- 

 pine. Salivation is noticed about 5 minutes after its subcutaneous 

 injection, reacbes its height in about 30 minutes, and continues to 

 flow for about one hour. During this period the horse champs his 

 jaws and appears as though greatly annoyed by the excessive secre- 

 tion, which is so profuse that at times it may run from the mouth in 

 large quantities. The secretions from the intestines are also 

 increased. 



Arecoline increases peristalsis by stimulating the nerve centers in 

 the plain muscle of the intestines. This is not simply an increase in 

 the norraal movements of the intestines but consists of a firm tetanic 

 contraction. This strong peristalsis causes a mild degree of colic 

 'throughout the period of action of the drug and in cases already 

 suffering from abdominal pain the sjTnptoms are always aggravated 

 for a short time. It is necessary to keep this action in mind, as it 

 always occurs but is not sufficient cause for alarm. 



Anthelmintic Action. There is some difference of opinion as 



