Definition. - A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seed of Asagraea officinalis (Charts and Schlech.) Lundl.

Description and Properties. - A white or grayish-white, amorphous or semicrystalline powder; odorless, but causing intense irritation and sneezing whenever even a minute quantity reaches the mucous membrane; of an acrid taste, and leaving a sensation of tingling and numbness on the tongue; permanent in the air; very slightly soluble in hot or cold water, soluble in 3 parts of alcohol.

Dose. - 1/40-1/4 grain (0.0016-0.016 Gm.) [1/30 grain (0.002 Gm.), U. S. P.]. 18

Official Preparations

Oleatum Veratrinae - Oleati Veratrinae - Oleate of Veratrine (2 per cent.). For external use.

Unguentum Veratrinae - Unguenti Veratrinae - Veratrine Ointment (4 per cent.). For external use.

Antagonists, Incompatibles, and Synergists are the same as for Aconite.

Physiological Action. - Externally and Locally. - Veratrum is more of an irritant than aconite, exciting some inflammation of the skin when applied locally, and when in contact with the nasal mucous membrane producing violent sneezing.

Internally. - Its effects are in every respect analogous to those of aconite, with the following exceptions, in the several systems:

Digestive System. - Veratrum is more apt to occasion nausea and vomiting.

Circulatory System. - The drug is a more powerful depressant to the circulation, small doses, while not materially affecting the pulse-rate, greatly reducing its force, large doses rendering the pulse very weak, almost indistinguishable, and very rapid.

Nervous System. - It causes, as does aconite, analgesia, and in large doses also paralyzes the muscles in an unknown manner. Under moderate doses there is extreme muscular weakness. Veratrine causes this loss of muscular power, while pseudoveratrine. does not.

Respiratory System. - Veratrum depresses the respiration less than aconite.

Absorption and Elimination. - The drug is absorbed with great facility, and is eliminated chiefly by the bowels. It possesses much feebler diuretic and diaphoretic properties than aconite.

Temperature. - In medicinal doses it is not so powerful an anti -pyretic as aconite.

Untoward Action. - Veratrum occasionally produces an erythematous or pustular eruption.

Poisoning. - Except that the drug may cause less anesthesia, the symptoms of poisoning are almost identical with those occasioned by aconite.

Treatment of Poisoning. - The same as prescribed for aconite.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - Veratrum viride is seldom, if ever, used locally. Veratrine, though in rare cases given internally, is well-nigh restricted to external or local application.

The oleate or ointment of veratrine when applied over the affected nerve is exceedingly efficacious in neuralgia, particularly in tic douloureux and orbital neuralgia. In the latter affection great care should be taken in administration, lest some portion of the drug enter the eye, in which case violent and persistent conjunctivitis would ensue.

Internally. - Veratrum viride may be employed for the same conditions for which aconite is recommended, although it is doubtful whether it possesses any advantages over the latter drug; indeed, by many competent physicians it is considered inferior to, and more dangerous than, aconite. Moreover, the nausea and vomiting which in many patients are likely to follow the ingestion of this drug render its use objectionable. A large number of physicians claim to have found it of value in the treatment of puerperal eclampsia. Here it should be given in doses sufficient to cause nausea or even vomiting.

Contraindications. - The same as for aconite.

Administration. - The tincture of veratrum viride only should be given, beginning with small doses, as recommended for aconite, and cautiously increasing the amount. Veratrine may be applied in the form of an ointment, oleate, or in solution together with alcohol and glycerin.