DRUGS ACTING ON THE SKIN 



55 



The latter stimulates the gland 

 cells, or secretory nerve-endings. 

 _ The others act indirectly by pro- 

 moting the vascularity of the skin, 

 and thus the activity of the sweat 

 glands. 



DIAPHORETICS. 



Pilocarpine 



Alcohol 



Spirit of nitrous ether 



Nitrites 



Volatile oils (reflexly stimulate the 



circulation, as camphor) 

 Heart stimulants 

 Ipecac and nauseants (relax 



vessels) 

 External heat 



Preventing loss of heat (blankets) 

 Warm drinks 



Antimony salts 



Solution of ammonium acetate 



Opium 



Camphor 



Ipecac 



Potassium acetate 

 Potassium citrate 

 Aconite J 



(2) Drugs diminishing the secretion of sweat, or anhidrotics. 

 They may depress the various parts of the mechanism which are 

 stimulated by diaphoretics. They are: 



Stimulate sweat centres 



^Action unknown 



Atropine 

 Belladonna 

 Hyoscyamus 

 Stramonium 

 Cold externally 



Paralyze 

 secretory 

 nerve- 

 endings 



Acids 

 Zinc salts 



Nux vomica I Action undeter- 

 Quinine | mined 



Salicylic acid 

 (locally) 



Uses. — There are two indications for the use of diaphoretics. First, 

 to bring blood to the surface and to cause sweating, thus equalizing the 

 circulation in "colds," chills and congestions and reducing temperature in 

 fever by evaporation and radiation of heat from the skin. Ammonium 

 acetate, alcohol and spirit of nitrous ether are commonly used in the 

 treatment of the disorders first noted, but acetanilid and phenacetin are 

 more powerful antipyretics. Second, to eliminate morbid material from 

 the blood in failure of the kidneys, as urinary suppression, or uremia. 

 These conditions are comparatively rare in veterinary practice. The 

 skin of the lower animals generally is much less responsive to diaphoretics 

 than that of man, while horses and cattle are more susceptible to these 

 agents than dogs, cats or pigs. 



A warm covering and atmosphere assist the dilation of the peripheral 

 vessels and activity of the gland cells and should always be obtained to 

 aid diaphoresis. Anhidrotics are of little service in veterinary medicine. 

 Excessive sweating is usually a sign of debility and is remedied by rest, 

 tonics and good feeding. 



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