MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 33 



In herbivorous animals the urine is alkaline, in carnivorous it is 

 acid in reaction. 



Renal Depressants. — Lessen secretion of urine; the best 

 used to overcome diabetes, is a combination of iodine and sulphate 

 of iron ; ergot, morphine and general tonics are also useful. 



Diuretics and diaphoretics should be used in all fever mix- 

 tures. 



MEDICINES ACTING ON THE, BLADDER. 



Lithontriptics, antilithics, urinary sedatives, tonics and as- 

 tringents. The nerve center controlling the bladder is situated 

 in the lumbar region of the spinal cord, with a presiding center 

 in the brain, which may be set in action either voluntarily or re- 

 flexly. 



Lithontriptics. — Dissolve when formed ; and antilithics pre- 

 vent the deposit of solids in the urinary organs. Lithia and potas- 

 sium salts dissolve uric acid and oxalate of lime calculi, found in 

 acid urine ; and phosphatic calculi are best dissolved with benzoic 

 acid and the benzoates in alkaline urine. 



Vesical and Urinary Sedatives. — Lessen irritability of the 

 bladder and urinary passages and thus remove pain and straining. 



Diluents, such as linseed tea or other mucilaginous drinks 

 are often serviceable ; also hot water, hot cloths and cannabis 

 indica. Irritability of nerve centers may be controlled by opium, 

 belladonna and hyoscyamus. 



Chronic inflammation is relieved by such astringents as uva 

 ursi, buchu, etc. 



Vesical and Urinary Tonics. — Increase the contractility of 

 the involuntary muscular walls of the bladder and ducts. 



1. Those like potassium bromide, strengthen the detrusor 

 (ejecting) muscles and prevent retention. 



2. Those like strychnine and cantharides, strengthen the 

 sphincter vesicae and thus prevent involuntary escape of the urine. 



3. Belladonna acts upon the regulating nerve centersand lessens 

 their sensibilitv. 



