418 VEGETABLE DEUGS 



a fatal result. Strychnine is antagonistic to eserine in stimu- 

 lating the respiratory centres and inferior cornua. 



Uses External. — Physostigmine has been injected empir- 

 ically, but it is asserted with good results, into chronic 

 dropsical effusions of joints and bursse of tendons in horses, 

 after removal of the fluid by aspiration. From .05-.1 gm. is 

 used, dissolved in 5,-10. gm. of sterile water ; and this treat- 

 ment is followed by cold applications for several days after- 

 wards. 



Uses Internal. — ^Three physiological actions of eserine 

 are put to therapeutical uses. 



1. The myotic action on the eye. 



2. Stimulation of the involuntary muscles. 



3. Depression of the inferior cornua. 



1. * Eserine is useful, in alternation with atropine, to 

 break up adhesions to the iris; to lessen intraocular 

 tension in glaucoma ; and to prevent prolapse of the iris 

 and staphyloma, after wounds and ulcers of the cornea. 

 It is also employed to contract the pupil and shut out the 

 light in photophobia, and to antagonize the influence of 

 of atropine on the eye. The action of eserine is, however, 

 not nearly so powerful or persistent as that of atropine on 

 the eye, and is somewhat painful. It is employed in 1 per 

 cent, solution. 



2. Physostigmine is mainly of value for its action in 

 rapidly stimulating the unstriated muscles of the alimentary 

 canal. In obstinate constipation ot horses it is particularly 

 useful ; 1 gr. of eserine sulphate being given intravenously 

 with 3 grs. of pilocarpine sulphate; the latter to increase 

 the intestinal secretions. Strychnine sulphate (gr.l) may 

 be added to counteract the depressing action of eserine on 

 the respiratory centres and inferior cornua. 



Physostigmine is prescribed in obstruction of the 

 bowels, from twist or intussusception in the horse, and 

 while there is danger that the condition may bo aggravated 

 by the increased intestinal movement, yet it may ba 

 employed when high rectal injections and elevation of 



* See page 45. 



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