Derivation.—The dried root of atropa belladonna yielding, when assayed by the U. S. P. process not less than 0.5 per cent of mydriatic alkaloids.

Constituents.—Same as leaves. Contains not less than 0.5 per cent atropine.

PREPARATIONS

FLUIDEXTRACTUM BELLADONNAE RADICIS—FLUIDEXTRACT OF BELLADONNA ROOT

Made by maceration with alcohol and water and evaporation. One cc. of the extract = one gm. of belladonna root. Standardized so that 100 cc. of the fluidextract contain 0.5 gm. of mydriatic alkaloids. This is one of the most reliable preparations of belladonna.

Dose.—Horses, 1 to 2 dr.; cattle, 2 to 3 dr.; sheep and pigs, 10 to 15 ms.; dogs, 1 to 3 ms.

LINIMENTUM BELLADONNAE—BELLADONNA LINIMENT

Made by adding camphor, 50 parts to fluidextract of belladonna to make 1,000 parts (U. S. P.).

ATROPINAE SULPHAS—SULPHATE OF ATROPHINE

An alkaloid obtained from belladonna. As it occurs in commerce, it is always accompanied by small proportion of hyoscyamine extracted along with it, from which it cannot readily be separated.

Derivation.—Atropine is obtained from a strong tincture of the root.

Properties.—A white crystalline powder, very soluble in water and alcohol.

Dose.—Horses, ¹/₂ to 1¹/₂ grs.; cattle, 1 to 2 grs.; sheep and pigs, ¹/₂₀ to ¹/₁₂ gr.; dogs, ¹/₁₅₀ to ¹/₅₀ gr. The doses should be considerably reduced when used with morphine.

Incompatibles.—Caustic alkalies; antagonize physiologically by pilocarpine and physostigma throughout almost whole range of its influence, and opium within a certain limitation, prevents the respiratory failure, which is the cause of death.

Action.—Belladonna is an irritant narcotic, a mydriatic, an antispasmodic and anodyne. In small doses a cardiac, respiratory and spinal stimulant; in large doses a paralyzer of the sensory and motor nerve endings and a stimulator of the entire sympathetic system.

It produces dryness of the mucous membrane of the throat, mouth, nose and pharynx, and at first lessens the gastric and intestinal secretions, but soon produces them in large quantities. It is anti-galactogogue, that is, it arrests secretion of milk.

The heart rate is at first slowed, but soon becomes very rapid and vigorous, the pulse being doubled in rapidity; arterial tension is raised and the circulation greatly increased.

The pupils are dilated by the local or systemic use of the drug.

The brain is congested by belladonna, a busy delirium being produced, and hallucinations with mental disorder, due to a selective action on the cell of the gray matter.

The spinal cord is stimulated from the second cervical vertebrae to the tenth dorsal, resulting in paralysis of the motor nerves, both central and peripheral, power being lost in hind extremities first. The respiration is increased and the temperature is raised by the increased circulation; metamorphosis is greatly promoted.

Belladonna and atrophine are rapidly diffused and quickly eliminated by the kidneys. By its paralyzing effect on the terminal nerve filaments, it relaxes the bronchial tubes and checks the secretion of the bronchial mucous membrane; it checks secretion of saliva and milk in the same way and causes dryness of the skin.

Uses.—Belladonna and atrophine is indicated anywhere that an antispasmodic and anodyne is needed. Is serviceable in catarrh, pharyngitis and bronchitis to check secretion in second stage; heaves, especially asthmatic heaves, combined with gelsemium and lobelia, followed by Fowler’s Solution; in influenza, it stimulates the weakened heart, besides having other good effects.

In the first stage of respiratory diseases, belladonna alone, or combined with aconite or other febrifuges and expectorants; in cough, especially spasmodic or when due to irritation of the throat; in heart failure or heart weakness, hypodermic injections of atrophine are beneficial; in spasmodic colic one to two drachms of the fluid extract to a dose, but one drachm is usually sufficient; as a powerful antispasmodic and anodyne, atropine and morphine combined; small doses are given in constipation of the bowels, combined with nux vomica; small doses with purgatives are said to aid their action.

In tetanus give one to two drachms of the extract two or three times daily; in paralysis of the throat of tetanus the fluid extract combined with soap liniment or used alone externally; in cerebro-spinal meningitis, belladonna and ergot alternated with aconite is rational treatment, conjoined with the external treatment. It allays irritations of the bladder, rectum, and uterus, especially if combined with cannabis indica.

In contraction or rigid os the extract applied directly, quickly relaxes and allows parturition; it is well to see if this is necessary before giving ergot.

Used extensively in examinations and diseases of the eye.

Atrophine sulphate is used locally to dilate the pupil, assisting in the detection of cataracts or other disorders of the eye and testing the condition of the refracting media; for dilating pupil use a solution of four grains of the atrophine to one ounce of distilled water; a few drops are placed into the eye, for inflammation of the eye with great irritation; belladonna may be combined with cocaine; in iritis.

Antidote.—In poisoning, tannic acid should be used.