412 VEGETABLE DEUGS 



Given usually intravenously or subcutaneously to 

 horses. 



Phtsostigmin^ Sulphas. Physostigmine Sulphate. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Eserine sulphate. 



The sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from physostigma. 



Properties. — A -white, or yellowish-white, micro-crystal- 

 line powder, odorless, and having a bitter taste. It is very 

 deliquescent when exposed to moist air, and gradually turns 

 reddish by exposure to air and light. Very soluble in water 

 and in alcohol. 



Dose.— H. & C, gr.i.ss. - iii. (.09-.18) ; D., gr.-rU-Tt 

 (.0006-.002). 



Given usually intravenously or subcutaneously t» 

 horses. 



PHYSOSTIGMINE. 



Action Internal. — Alimentary Tract. — The flow of saliva 

 is at first stimulated, whether by direct excitation of the 

 salivary cells or not, is undetermined. Salivation ceases 

 when the gland is deprived of blood by general vascular con- 

 traction. The peristaltic action of the stomach and bowels 

 is increased by the direct local action of the alkaloid on the 

 muscles or ganglia of their walls. There are three stages, in 

 reference to this action, observed in poisoning. First there is 

 stimulation of peristaltic action, then tetanic contraction and 

 diminution of the intestinal calibre, and finally relaxation 

 and dilatation of the bowels. The secretions in the digestive ' 

 tract are augmented with the expulsion of considerable 

 mucus per rectum. When the alkaloid is given to horses, 

 under the skin, within the trachea or intravenously, defse- 

 cation and expulsion of gas commonly occurs in the space 

 of half an hour, occasionally in a few minutes, and is often 

 considerable in amount (11-20 lbs. of faeces). 



Circulation. — Eserine is readily absorbed, but exerts no 



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