Antitoxin acts both as a curative and a preventive remedy. Since its introduction the mortality of diphtheria has been reduced more than one-half. The curative dose is from 2000 to 5000 units, to be repeated in from six to twelve hours, if necessary. The prophylactic dose is 500 units. The protection afforded is only temporary, lasting from two to three weeks.
The injections are sometimes followed by a rise of temperature, pain in the joints, or a cutaneous rash, but these symptoms are without serious significance.
Aspirin.—This is acetyl-salicylic acid and is used like sodium salicylate in rheumatism and pleurisy, and as an antipyretic and analgesic. Dose, 5 to 15 grains.
Atropin.—See Belladonna.
Belladonna.—This drug owes its activity to the alkaloid atropin. It is employed internally to stimulate the respiration; to stimulate the circulation; to allay local spasm, as in asthma and whooping-cough; to check excessive secretion, as in the night-sweats of phthisis; and to stimulate peristalsis in atonic constipation. Locally, it is employed in the form of solutions of atropin to dilate the pupil of the eye, and in the form of a liniment or plaster of belladonna as a sedative application in various inflammatory conditions. Toxic doses of belladonna cause dilatation of the pupils, dryness of the throat, quickening of the pulse and respiration, delirium, and a diffuse red rash resembling that of scarlatina.
The dose of atropin is from ¹/₁₅₀ to ¹/₅₀ grain (0.00043-0.0013 gm.); of the Tincture of Belladonna (Tinctura Belladonnæ), 5 to 20 minims (0.3-1.2 c.c.); of the Extract of Belladonna (Extractum Belladonnæ), ⅛ to ¼ grain (0.008-0.016 gm.).
Bismuth.—The insoluble preparations of the metal—subnitrate, subcarbonate, and subgallate—are used internally as mild antiseptics, sedatives, astringents, and antacids in various inflammatory diseases of the stomach and bowel. They are scarcely poisonous when taken internally in any amount. The usual dose of any one of the preparations named is from 5 to 30 grains (0.3-2 gm.) in dry powder or stirred in milk or water.
Bromids.—The salts of bromin in common use are the bromids of potassium, sodium, ammonium, and strontium. The action of these is very similar. They are especially useful as depressants to the central nervous system. They are employed to produce sleep, to check convulsions, and to relieve headache and neuralgic pain. Large doses depress the heart and respiration. The continued use of the bromids causes a condition known as bromism. This is characterized by fetor of the breath, a rash on the skin, languor, and somnolence. The dose of the bromin salts is from 10 to 60 grains (0.6-4 gm.).
Caffein.—This is an alkaloid obtained from coffee. It is a heart stimulant, respiratory stimulant, brain stimulant, and kidney stimulant (diuretic). The dose is from 1 to 5 grains (0.06-0.3 gm.).
Calomel.—See Mercury.