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.