384 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



ment of belladonna is useful in rheumatic or neuralgic pain, 

 and rubbed upon the throat, in cases of pharyngitis and 

 laryngitis, affords a serviceable application, when combined 

 with the internal administration of the drug. 



Uses in Connection With tlm Eye. — In examination of the 

 fundus of the eye, the media, or lens, for cataract, the pupil 

 may be dilated to advantage with a weak solution (gr.^- ^ i.) 

 of atropine sulphate. A drop will suffice, and no trace of 

 its effect will remain after the second day. A strong solution 

 (gr.iv.- 5 i.) is essential to completely paralyze the iris and 

 ciliary muscle. In the normal animal, accommodation is 

 paralyzed and vision disturbed for 8 or 12 days after the 

 use of this solution. Atropine is particularly useful in 

 keratitis and iritis. In the former disease, photophobia and 

 blepharospasm are diminished by the paralyzing action of 

 atropine upon the trigeminus, and pain, congestion and 

 inflammation are diminished by contraction of the peri- 

 pheral blood vessels. In central perforating ulcer of the 

 cornea, with protrusion of the iris, atropine, by dilating 

 the pupil, draws the iris away and prevents its permanent 

 adhesion (anterior synechia) to the cornea, while the per- 

 foration is becoming filled with lymph and the anterior 

 chamber is being restored. Strong solutions of atropine 

 instilled at frequent intervals, are useful in iritis by (1) 

 paralyzing and securing rest of the iris and ciliary muscles ; 

 (2) in lessening local blood supply, congestion and inflam- 

 mation, and in preventing adhesions of the posterior sur- 

 faces of the iris to the anterior capsule of the lens (posterior 

 synechise), which both limits the normal variation in the 

 pupillary diameter and interferes with the nutrition of the 

 lens, and so predispose to cataract. Atropine is contra- 

 indicated in glaucoma. 



Uses Internal. — The general indications follow directly 

 from our knowledge of the physiological action of the drug. 

 They are as follows:— l.»To stimulate the respiration and 

 circulation. 2. To diminish secretion. 3. To relieve spasm 

 and pain. 



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