American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

Strychnine Sulphate. Dose, from 1/120 to 1/15 of a grain.
Strychnine Nitrate. Dose, from 1/120 to 1/20 of a grain.
Strychnine Phosphate. Dose, 1/180 to 1/80 of a grain.
Strychnine Arseniate. Dose 1/200 to 1/50 of a grain.
Specific Symptomatology—In acute heart failure from any prostrating
cause, strychnine is given hypodermically or in conjunction with
digitalis. In the prostration following any inflammatory disease of a
severe and protracted character this combination is specific, but it seems
to be particularly beneficial in the prostration of beginning
convalescence after pneumonia, especially if there has been abscess or
other exhausting complications. Often in these cases there is a tendency
to sub-normal temperature and slow pulse; when this is the case there
are but few remedies that will act as strychnine, and none will excel it.
Therapy—In impotence due to exhaustion, to relaxation or atony of the
erectile tissue of the sexual apparatus, strychnine in small doses
persistently used is an advantageous remedy. The extract of nux vomica
may be given, but will not work as promptly as the alkaloid. In the
incontinence of urine of the feeble and aged, and in nocturnal enuresis
in childhood from atonicity without local irritation, minute doses of
strychnia sulphate will often cure after repeated failure with other
remedies. These facts are especially true in plethoric and relaxed cases
and in inactive patients.
In uterine inertia from exhaustion or lack of nerve force, this agent
excels all others. It increases nerve force, restores the normal
contractility of the uterine muscular fibrillae, and increases the power
and number of contractions in a normal manner. It also anticipates and
prevents post-partum hemorrhage. In cases where hemorrhage has
previously occurred it should be given in advance and for a short time
subsequently to the birth of the child.
The influence of the sulphate or nitrate of strychnia is that of a spinal
stimulant, pure and simple, with the power of augmenting nerve force to
a most desirable extent by increasing the nutrition of the nervous system
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 424