Morphine—Opium—Laudanum and preparations in which the Opium Alkaloids predominate.
If taken by the mouth, give at once a solution of potassium permanganate and then empty the stomach, but, if taken by hypodermic injection, both these would be useless. The stomach in opium-poisoning is best relieved by the pump or tube, and should then be well washed out with hot coffee, leaving in the organ a pint or more. If the stomach-pump or tube is not at hand, a large subcutaneous dose of apomorphine (say 10 minims) may be given, or mustard or zinc sulphate, but there may be difficulty in obtaining vomiting from any emetic.
Attempt to rouse the patient by the battery, if at hand; by flips with a towel, and by shaking. In all books will be found the usual direction that you are to keep walking the patient about; but this treatment is questionable, and likely to favour the toxic action of morphine on the heart.
Ammonia may be applied to the nostrils.
Hot coffee may also be introduced into the bowels by an enema apparatus, or by a simple tube.
The alternate cold and hot douche to the head is good, but the body should be kept warm with hot wraps.
Small subcutaneous doses of atropine (say 1-20th of a grain) may be administered, repeating the close every twenty minutes, and watching the effect.
If necessary, apply artificial respiration.
Inhalations of nitrite of amyl have been used.
Muscarine.—See [Mushrooms].