DRUGS ACTING ON THE SEXUAL ORGANS 



49 



abortion (in pregnant animals) in large doses. The use of the indirect 

 emmenagogues is more rational and effective. Aloes is thought to stimu- 

 late the uterus reflexly by irritation of the large intestines, and may also 

 act locally on the uterus after absorption. Absence of estrum, ordinarily 

 a symptom resulting from a general or local condition, should be treated 

 if possible by removing the cause (anemia, debility, plethora, obesity, 

 deformity of genital tract). 



(2) EcboUcs, or oxytocics, are drugs stimulating uterine contrac- 

 tion during or directly after parturition. The exact physiological details 

 concerned in their action are unknown except in the ease of ergot and 

 pituitrin. They are: 



Ergot Quinine 



Pituitrin Hydrastis 



Cotton root bark Savin 

 Corn smut 



(3) Drugs restraining uterine contractions. 

 Anesthetics Chloral 

 Cannabis Indica Bromides 



Uses. — Ecbolics (preeminently ergot) are used to contract the 

 uterus and arrest hemorrhage after parturition; or to stimulate the womb 

 during parturition in inertia. In poisonous doses they may lead to abor- 

 tion during pregnancy. Drugs restraining uterine contraction (especially 

 opium) are sometimes given to prevent threatened abortion. 



(4) Drugs influencing milk-secretion. 



(a) Galactagogues are drugs increasing the flow of milk. They 

 include : . , . - , 



Extracts of the pituitary and Alcohol 



mammary glands. Full diet 



Pilocarpine Leaves of castor oil plant (internally 



or locally on udder as poultice). 



Drug treatment is practically valueless in increasing the secretion 

 of milk; rich feeding is the chief desideratum. Many drugs are elimi- 

 nated in milk and may produce their characteristic effects in animals or 

 man drinking it. Among these are: 



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