303 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



To stimulate the spinal cord ; more particularly the motor cells of the 

 inferior cornua. 



3. To stimulate appetite, digestion, muscles, and intestinal peris- 

 talsis in atonic conditions. 



4. To destroy dogs and other small animals. 

 6. As an aphi'odisiac. 



1. Strychnine is a good remedy to stimulate the respiration, 

 vasomotor centres and nervous system, and to promote appetite and 

 digestion in acute diseases. It is commonly employed in the treatment 

 of pneumonia and influenza and in all acute diseases when the necessity 

 arises. In the acute stages, with prostration and failing respiration, to 

 stimulate the spinal and respiratory centres ; and in convalescence to 

 sharpen the appetite, and increase general tone. In pneumonia, when 

 collapse is threatening, it is well to give strychnine subcutaneously with 

 atropine to stimulate the respiratory centres. It should be realized, how- 

 ever, that strychnine is not in any way comparable to digitalis as a heart 

 stimulant and in heart weakness in pneumonia, or other diseases, digitalis 

 is infinitely preferable. Strychnine is useful in influenza by counter- 

 acting nervous depression and improving the appetite and digestion. In 

 collapse and shock, following surgical operations, or in ether, chloral, 

 chloroform and opium poisoning, strychnine is usually prescribed as a 

 cardiac and respiratory stimulant, given in large doses subcutaneously. 

 In surgical shock Crile finds strychnine harmful and it is Undoubtedly 

 true that morphine is much more eifective. Strychnine has been popu- 

 larly regarded as the heart stimulant, but the fashion of so regarding and 

 using it is departing since physiological experiments do not substantiate 

 this view. While Cabot does not find it useful in raising blood pressure 

 in disease yet strychnine is undoubtedly of service in some cases of 

 chronic cardiac trouble. The alkaloid has proved extremely serviceable 

 in chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and in that combination of these dis- 

 orders, often associated with asthma and known as "broken wind" or 

 "heaves," in horses. It is also useful in asthma and clrronic bronchitis of 

 dogs. 



The beneficial effect in these diseases is explained by the stimulating 

 action of the drug on the respiratory centres, and the favorable influence 

 exerted on digestion. Strychnine is also appropriate in convalescence 

 from acute diseases for the same reason. 



2. In mild cases of chorea in dogs, strychnine is prescribed to ad- 

 vantage with Fowler's solution. In accordance with its physiological 

 action, strychnine is indicated in various paralyses of spinal origin, but 

 should not be used where there is irritation or inflammation of the spinal 

 motor tract. It is employed in hemiplegia and paraplegia, resulting from 

 hemorrhage, after the lapse of several weeks, when irritation produced by 

 the clot has passed away. After paralysis of the motor tracts of the brain 

 or cord, strychnine is, however, contraindicated since the reflexes below 

 the lesion are cut off from normal cerebral control and they are over- 

 active and the muscles in a state of overtone. Strychnine is essentially 

 indicated in asthenia but not in conditions associated with a spasmodic 



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