286 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



particularly to pharyngitis^ laryngitis and coryza where there seems good 

 evidence to prove that sometimes a full dose of belladonna at the outset 

 of these disorders may actually abort them. Besides there are the bene- 

 ficial effects of the drug in relieving coughj spasm and obstructed breath- 

 ing noted below. In the second stage of acute diseases, as pneumonia, 

 atropine is a valuable agent in combination with strychnine, to stimulate 

 respiration, prevent effusion and vasomotor and cardiac depression. In 

 slow heart due to vagal disturbance (vagus bradycardia) atropine in full 

 doses may prove curative. Belladonna is of service also as a respiratory, 

 cardiac and vasomotor stimulant in poisoning by various drugs, including 

 opium, chloroform, ether, aconite, prussie acid, physostigma and pilo- 

 carpine. Experiments by Eeichert and others show that atropine, while 

 stimulating the respiratory centre exerts a powerful depressing action 

 on the pulmonic motor fibres of the vagi, and that in opium poisoning 

 atropine, instead of strengthening, actually lessens respiratory power. 

 Strychnine and caffeine are undoubtedly much better antidotes in this 

 condition. Belladonna is an antidote in poisoning by antimony. In sur- 

 gical shock, with low temperature, owing to vasomotor paralysis and 

 vascular dilatation, and in collapse from injury and disease atropine is a 

 most potent remedy, combined with camphor subcutaneously. In pneu- 

 monia, especially, belladonna is of great value following the crisis. 



2. Belladonna is employed therapeutically to diminish excessive 

 sweating and salivation, mercurial or otherwise. Injected half an hour 

 before beginning ether anesthesia atropine is most useful in preventing 

 excessive secretion and reflex vagal irritation, and in stimulating respira- 

 tion. It is recommended in serous, or watery diarrhea. Edema of the 

 lungs is combated most successfully with atropine (combined with strych- 

 nine) subcutaneously. In the second stage of acute respiratory diseases, 

 as bronchitis, influenza, canine distemper, and pneumonia, belladonna 

 diminishes secretion, irritability and cough, and stimulates the heart and 

 respiration. It may be associated with opium to increase the sedative 

 effect. In mastitis belladonna should be given internally, and rubbed on 

 the inflamed gland 3 times daily in the form of the linimentum bella- 

 donnae, to lessen glandular activity, secretion and pain. Atropine is the 

 best remedy, apart from antacids, to counteract gastric hyperacidity. 



3. Belladonna does not have much influence over spasm of the volun- 

 tary muscles, unless injected (atropine) into their substance. Rheumatic 

 lameness, neuralgia, and cramps and spasm due to injury of nerves, may 

 be treated in this manner. Belladonna liniment or a local injection of 

 atropine are indicated in that condition of the tender skin and muscles 

 seen in horses and dogs after severe exercise. Spasm of involuntary 

 muscle is, however, more easily overcome, and this action is of exceeding 

 therapeutic importance. Intestinal spasmodic colic of horses succumbs 

 most readily when atropine is given with morphine under the skin. In 

 peritonitis and enteritis, full and repeated doses of atropine, with mor- 

 phine, prevent reflex spasm and pain, and thus aid peristalsis. Large 

 doses of atropine have been used in human medicine, and with remarkably 

 good results, in the treatment of intestinal obstruction from impacted 

 feces, and even in invagination and twist. 



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