376 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



Cough, as a symptom of irritation within the respiratory tract, is 

 more commonly treated by some form of opium than by any other drug. 

 When cough is irritative or excessive, and is not remedial in removing 

 secretion, then it is very properly controlled by opium. If, on the other 

 hand, respiratory movements are weak, or cyanosis threatens from re- 

 tained secretions, opium is distinctly contraindicated, since it depresses 

 the respiratory centres and lessens the irritation produced by the secre- 

 tions in the bronchial tubes, which would otherwise cause coughing and 

 expulsion of the exudate. Morphine sulphate (gr. l/lO to gr. 1/6) 

 may be given in chloroform water every 3 hours in troublesome cough 

 in house dogs. 



Opium in cough. Horses. 



Ammonii carbonatis. 



Ammonii chloridi aa Si. 



Morphinae sulphatis gr.iv. 



Glycerini oii- 



Aquae ad gviii. 



M. 



S. Tablespoonful in half pint of water t. i. -d. 

 Opium in cough in 'dogs. 



CodeiniE sulphatis gi'-x. 



Elixir terpini hydratis oiu- 



M. 



S. Teaspoonful every 2 or 3 hours. 



Opium, especially when combined with belladonna, notably dimin- 

 ishes secretions, so that this combination is peculiarly appropriate in the 

 treatment of cough and exudation, and it is only when increasing moist 

 rales (pulmonary edema) are found to exist during this medication that 

 it should be stopped. Pleuritic cough causes intense pain and accom- 

 plishes nothing, so that opium here affords great relief without inducing 

 bad results. 



4. Opium possesses antiphlogistic action in aborting and combat- 

 ing inflammation. Reflex excitability is lessened by opium, and there- 

 fore irritation of nerve centres, which would otherwise cause vascular 

 dil.itation, stasis, and inflammation, is prevented by the drug. This is 

 at least the theory. Opium and quinine are the two remedies having the 

 most popular clinical reputation for aborting colds and inflammation, 

 and the latter agent also diminishes reflex excitability. Inflammation of 

 serous membranes is thought to be that form most favorably influenced 

 by opium, as peritonitis, enteritis and meningitis, for which purpose the 

 drug is frequently combined with calomel. But opium is also an ex- 

 tremely useful antiphlogistic remedy in coryza, bronchitis, pneumonia and 

 pleurisy, and in inflammations of the mucous coat of the digestive canal, 

 as gastritis and dysentery. A single full dose should be given at the 

 earliest possible stage of these disorders, and the patient should be kept 

 as quiet as possible to secure the best result. 



5. ■ Opium stimulates and supports the system in a manner not ex- 

 plicable on physiological grounds. It often ^conserves life in a remark- 



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