204 SYNOPSIS OF VSTJtRI NARY 



Synergists. — Aconite, veratrum viride, gelsemium and vaso- 

 motor paralyzers promote the activity of jaborandi. 



Physiological Actions. — Pilocarpus is a paralyzer of the vaso- 

 motor system, lowers arterial pressure and ic a stimulant of the 

 peripheral terminations of nerves supplying glands and invol- 

 untary muscular fibres, subsequently paralyzing the latter ; it is 

 therefore a powerful diaphoretic and sialagogue, a cardiac de- 

 pressant by stimulation of the vagus ends, also myotic, emetic and 

 sometimes abortifacient ; its taste is hot and pungent. In horses 

 it produces a prompt and very profuse salivation ; while it has 

 diaphoretic action in horses, it is not so marked as in man, al- 

 though it is a valuable synergist to other diaphoretic drugs, par- 

 ticularly arnica. 



The nasal, bronchial and lachrymal secretions are also much 

 increased, as well as the intestinal secretions, which make pilo- 

 carpine a valuable synergist to eserine. 



Pilocarpus or Pilocarpine in sufficient doses may cause wa- 

 tery diarrhoea. The action of the Jieart at first increased is after- 

 wards lowered, arterial tension reduced and temperature falls 

 from i to 4 degrees ; it also greatly increases the quantity of 

 urea excreted, but not the quantity of urine. 



In Toxic Doses. — Respiratory power is lowered and apnoea 

 may occur from excessive bronchial secretion, or oedema of the 

 lungs ; pilocarpus is rapidly diffused and is eliminated by the skin 

 and salivary glands ; its effect lasting 3 to 6 hours ; it increases 

 contraction of the bladder, uterus and spleen. 



Therapeutical Uses. — The hydrochlorate of pilocarpine may- 

 be used to assist eserine in its action as a quick cathartic, as 

 follows : 



5 Pilocarpine hydrochloratis, gr. i to grs. ij. 



Eserinae sulphatis, grs. iss. 



Aq. destil., 3 i. 



M. Sig. — For doctor's use. (Use about 40 minims hypodermically, 

 then inject balance in 20 or 30 minutes if necessary). 



Pilocarpus is also used in pleuritic and other effusions, to 

 promote the absorption and elimination ; used as an expectorant 

 in catarrh, bronchitis, pneumonia ; combined with Tr. arnica Rad. 

 to stop chills and abort inflammatory diseases such as lymphan- 

 gitis, laminitis, etc. 



