USES OF BELLADONNi 385 



1. Acute diseases, as pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, 

 cerebro-spinal meningitis, etc., are frequently treated at the 

 outset with belladonna, with the intent of cutting short the 

 inflammatory process by producing general vascular con- 

 traction. There does not seem to be sufficient physiological 

 or clinical evidence to warrant this practice (except in coryza, 

 pharyngitis and laryngitis), and there are other drugs (ergot) 

 which accomplish the purpose, were it desirable, more effi- 

 ciently. In the second stage of acute diseases, as pneu- 

 monia, belladonna is a valuable agent in combination with 

 strychnine, to stimulate respiration, prevent effusion and 

 vasomotor and cardiac depression. Belladonna is of service 

 also as a respiratory, cardiac and vasomotor stimulant 

 in poisoning by various drugs, including opium, chloro- 

 form, ether, aconite, prussie acid, physostigma and pilocar- 

 pine. Eecent experiments by Reichert ( Therapeutic Monthly, 

 May, 1901) 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 undoubtedly is a much 

 better antidote in this condition. In surgical shock, with 

 low temperature, owing to vasomotor paralysis and vascular 

 dilatation, atropine is a most potent remedy, combined with 

 digitalis. 



2. Belladonna is employed therapeutically to diminish 

 excessive sweating and salivation, mercurial or otherwise. 

 It is recommended in serous, or watery diarrhcBa. CEdema 

 of the lungs is combated most successfully with atropine 

 (combined with strychnine) 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 in- 

 crease the sedative effect. 



3. Belladonna does not hav^much influence over spasm 

 of the voluntary muscles, unless injected (atropine) into their 



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