MATERIA MEDICA AMD THERAPEUTICS. 215 



oeEaTum vERATrinae — Oleate of Veratrine (2%). 



unguentum veratrinae — Ointment of Veratrine (4%). 



Both of these preparations are used in painful local affec- 

 tions. 



Antagonists and Incompatibles. — Same as aconite. 



Synergists. — Same as aconite. 



Physiological Actions. — Veratrum Viride is closely allied to 

 that of aconite, being a powerful cardiac depressant, and spina) 

 paralyzant, but it affects respiration much less, is a systemic 

 emetic and cathartic, paralyzes the motor system centrally, im- 

 pairing the reflexes, but leaves sensation unimpaired and has 

 little or no diaphoretic or diuretic action, causes great depression, 

 but is seldom fatal ; when death does result it is from paralysis of 

 the heart ; small doses reduce the force of the pulse, but do 

 not at first affect the rate, but if long continued the pulse be- 

 comes very slow, soft and compressible, rising on the least exer- 

 tion, to be very rapid and feeble. It, like aconite, also causes 

 great muscular weakness, and frequently nausea and vomiting: 

 large doses increase the symptoms very much, the pulse becomes 

 smaller and imperceptible, with as a result of toxic doses the 

 same chain of symptoms as in aconite poisoning. 



Treatment of the poisoning is the same as for that of aconite. 



Uses. — Is inferior to aconite in fevers and inflammations, by 

 reason of its lack of power over excretions, is used in about the 

 same diseases as aconite. 



PHYTOLACCA— POKE. 



EXTractum phytoIvACCAE radicis eluidum — Fluid Extract 

 of Phytolacca Root. 



Dose. — Horse, 2 drs. to 1 oz. ; cow, }4 to 2 ozs. ; sheep, 10 

 ms. to ij^ or 2 drs. ; pigs, 5 ms. to 1 dr. ; dogs, 2 to 30 ms. In 

 dogs more than 10 ms. are emetic. 



Extractum phytolaccae (not official) dose, y 2 that of the 

 Fluid Extract. 



Composition. — Contains a neutral principle, phytolaccin, an 

 acid, tannin, etc. 



Antagonists and Incompatibles. — Alcohol, ether, opium, digi- 

 talis, etc., oppose the action of phytolacca. 



