66 



GENERAL ACTIONS OF DRUGS 



Antimony salts 



Solution of ammonium acetate 



Opium 



Camphor 



Ipecac 



Potassium acetate 



Potassium citrate 



Aconite 



Stimulate sweat centres 



Action unknown 



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

 They may depress the various parts of the mechanisin 

 which are stimulated by diarphoretics. They are : 



. Action unde- 

 termined 



Uses. — There are two indications for the rise of diapho- 

 retics. 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 nitrons ether are commonly 

 used in the treatment of the disorders first noted, but 

 aeetanilid and phenacetin are more powerful antipyretics. 

 Second, to eliminate morbid material from the blood in 

 failure of the kidneys, as urinary suppression, or uraemia. 

 These conditions are comparatively rare in veterinary prac- 

 tice. 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 secured 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. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



