390 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



ful depressant to the cerebrum, respiratory centre, spinal 

 reflex centres, and motor tract. It differs from atropine in 

 being a cerebral sedative, and in its greater paralyzant 

 action upon the spinal cord. The tetanic stage succeeding 

 spinal paralysis, observed in tropine poisoning, does not 

 ensue with hyoscine. The latter alkaloid slightly depresses 

 and slows the heart, and does not paralyze the vagus termi- 

 nations, nor depress the motor and sensory nerves or muscles. 

 The circulation is but slightly influenced, and vasomotor 

 depression only occurs in the latter stage of lethal poisoning. 

 Death occurs from paralysis of the respiratory centres. 

 Poisoning in animals is exhibited by loss of muscular power, 

 slowing and failure of respiration, dryness of the mouth, 

 stupor and asphyxia. The pulse may be infrequent, the 

 pupils are dilated and the skin is moist rather than dry. 

 Delirium and convulsions sometimes occur in man. The 

 effect of the combined action of hyoscyamine and hyoscine 

 in hyoscyamus is shown when we compare the drug with 

 belladonna. Hyoscyamus is more of a cerebral sedative and 

 hypnotic, and less of a heart and respiratory stimulant. It 

 is said to possess more power in overcoming spasm, and grip- 

 ing of cathartics, and in aiding intestinal movement. 

 Hyoscyamus is also thought to exert a more pronounced an- 

 tispasmodic action than belladonna upon the smooth muscles 

 of the bladder and urethra. 



Uses. — Hyoscyamus is generally applicable in the same 

 disorders for which belladonna is indicated. In relieving 

 some sorts of spasm, hyoscyamus is more efficient than bella- 

 donna, as in spasmodic colic, spasm of the bladder, and 

 griping caused by cathartics. Tetanus, chorea, and epilep- 

 tic convulsions in dogs, are beneflted by henbane, but the 

 drug does not possess a curative action. Hyoscyamine may 

 be combined to advantage with strychnine, subcutaneously, 

 in impaction of the bowels in horses. The former drug 

 depresses the inhibitory nerve endings (splanchnic), and 

 assists the stimulant action of strychnine upon the intestinal 

 muscle. Eepeated small doses of oil will facilitate peristal- 

 sis in this condition. Hyoscine hydrobromide is indicated 

 in spasmodic affections and in nervous and sexual excite- 

 ment. It is a powerful drug and should be employed at the 

 outset in small doses. To avoid contamination with hyo- 

 scamine is difficult, and the preparation of Merck is to be 



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