American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

inhalation and chloroform narcosis, and as a restorative to those
apparently drowned.
Antidotes—In the treatment of strychnine poisoning, the stomach should
be immediately irrigated. The spasms should be met promptly with
inhalations of chloroform or amyl nitrate. A strong infusion of white oak
bark or tannic acid in water should be given, or the substances can be
used in the irrigating fluid. After the stomach is thoroughly evacuated,
chloral in doses of from fifteen to thirty grains, with as much sodium
bromide, may be given, or passiflora in from two to four dram doses, or
large doses of the fluidextract of gelsemium. We have assurance now that
full hypodermic doses, thirty to sixty minims of subculoid lobelia, repeated
as needed, will prove to be a most dependable antidote for the action of
this agent.
If the patient cannot swallow, the passiflora or chloral in solution may be
injected into the rectum, or veratrum may be injected hypodermically in
doses of from ten to fifteen minims. If the spasms increase in severity and
in frequency, the result will be fatal. If they decrease in severity, are of
shorter duration and occur after increasing intervals, the prognosis is
hopeful.
Strychnine Phosphate.
Therapy—The phosphate of strychnine given in doses of from 1/180 to the
1/80 of a grain combines the stimulating properties of the strychnine with
the nerve building properties of the phosphorus. It is a combination that
should be of much value in conditions where it is desired to retain the
high point gained by a nerve stimulant, and make the condition thus
gained permanent. The use of phosphorus and the phosphates during
pregnancy, where anemia is present or where the nervous system is
seriously drawn upon by the nutrition of the fetus, has been observed by
many. The use of the phosphate of strychnine in doses of one onehundredth
of a grain is commented upon by Dorset. (Annals of
Gynecology, Nov., 1897.)
He says a good appetite and a good assimilation are obtained in the
general weakness and debility of the anemic constipation is relieved,
and, in short, the patient is built up and placed in a good condition to
pass through the ordeal of labor. It improves the appetite and digestion,
overcomes despondency, relieves constipation and materially builds the
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 427