USES OF QUININE 357 



are not observed in mammals. Muscular contractility is stimulated by 

 small and paralyzed by poisonous doses of quinine. After subcutaneous 

 injection of quinine there is slow loss of sensation and local anesthesia 

 lasting for hours or days. The hydrochloride of quinine and urea is com- 

 monly used for this purpose. 



Uterus. — In experiments with the intravenous or subcutaneous injec- 

 tion of quinine into animals normal uterine contractions are augmented or 

 rhythmical contractions are originated by the drug. The production of 

 labor pains or abortion has been observed in woman following the use of 

 large doses for the cure of malaria. The alkaloid stimulates uterine con- 

 tractions in inertia of parturition but there is considerable testimony 

 affirming that it increases at the same time the tendency to flowing. 



Kidneys, Metabolism and Elimination. — Quinine lessens the elimina- 

 tion of both urea and uric acid. It is therefore evident that there is some 

 alteration or inhibition of metabolism whereby nitrogenous decomposition 

 is decreased and nitrogen is stored in the body. There is no diminished 

 oxidation of carbohydrates in the tissues, which is the chief source of 

 animal heat, for the excretion of CO2 and absorption of oxygen by the 

 lungs is unaltered by quinine. This accords with the known fact that the 

 oxidizing ferment of the tissues is not influenced by the drug (Jacquet). 

 About three-fourths of the quinine absorbed is destroyed in the tissues. 

 The remaining fourth escapes unchanged in the urine in man but much 

 altered in dogs. While its excretion in the urine begins soon after its 

 ingestion, and lasts for some days, the greater amount escapes within 

 twenty-four hours. None is found in the other excretions. 



Antipyretic Action. — Quinine does not alter the normal temperature 

 of a healthy animal, but does reduce temperature in fever. The amount 

 of reduction depends upon the cause of the fever. An explanation of the 

 antipyretic power of the alkaloid may include : 



1. The antiseptic property of quinine. This is most marked in the 

 case of the plasmod^um malaria, which is destroyed by the alkaloid, and 

 the malarial fever is therefore overcome. 



2. By retarding nitrogenous decomposition or metabolism and thus 

 lessening the production of heat in the tissues. Quinine does not lower 

 temperature by action on heat-regulating centres as it occurs after divi- 

 sion of the spinal cord. It is less effective as an antipyretic than coal 

 tar derivatives. 



3. By dilating the vessels of the skin and therefore inducing loss 

 of heat. In poisoning there are deafness, blindness, slow weak heart 

 and breathing, gastric disturbances, diarrhea, and perhaps albuminuria, 

 hematuria or hemoglobinuria. 



Administration. — Quinine sulphate is usually given to horses in 

 aqueous solution with sufficient diluted sulphuric acid to dissolve the salt. 

 It may also be administered to these animals in ball, gelatine capsule, 

 enema or subcutaneously. Quinine is exhibited to dogs in pills, solution 

 or suppositories. The alkaloid is not commonly injected under the skin, 

 because local irritation and abscess may follow; but this does not fre- 

 quently happen in the horse. The bisulphate, hydrobromide and hydro- 



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