460 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



Fluidextractum Aconiti. ' Fluidextract of Aconite. (U. S.P.) 



Made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water, and 

 evaporation, so that 1 cc. = 1 gm. of the crude drug. 



Dose. — Bi. & C, ni.iii.-xx. (.2-1.3); D., TTll/lO-il. (.006-.12). 



Vnguentum Aconitince. . (B. P.) (2 per cent.) 



Linimentum Aconiti. (B. P.) 



Fleming's Tincture. (Non-official.) (79 per cent.), 

 Dose.—H.., TTLvii.-xv. (.5-1.); T>., nii-ii. (.015-.12). 



ACONITE AND ACONITINE. 



Action External. — Aconite or aconitine applied to 

 mucous membranes, raw surfaces or the unbroken skin, irri- 

 tates and then paralyzes the nerves of touch and temperature. 

 This is evidenced in the human subject by a sensation of 

 tingling and burning, followed by numbness and local anaes- 

 thesia. 



Action Internal. — Digestive Tract. — Aconite in medi- 

 cinal doses has no special effect on the digestive organs. 

 Toxic doses produce nausea and retching, and, in animals 

 capable of the act, vomiting. 



Circulation. — The chief therapeutic value of aconite 

 depends upon its influence over the heart and vessels. It 

 reduces both the force and frequency of the cardiac pulsa- 

 tions and lowers blood tension owing to stimulation of the 

 vagus ,centre in the medulla. This is the chief effect of 

 aconite on the circulation in medicinal doses. In fatal pois- 

 oning by the drug, however, the action of the heart becomes 

 rapid and irregular. The time of contraction of the auricles 

 does not correspond with ventridular contraction, and the lack 

 of rhythm and irregularity increase until the heart is thrown 

 into delirium. 



Depending on this condition of the heart, the blood pres- 

 sure is naturally subject to momentary variations. The 

 rapidity and irregularity of the heart are due to stimulation. 



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