Latin, Belladonna (Gen., Belladonnae)

Eng., Belladonna. Synonym, Deadly Night-shade. The following parts are official:

Belladonnae Folia

Eng., Belladonna Leaves. The dried leaves of Atropa Belladonna yielding not less than 0.3 per cent. of alkaloids (principally atropine).

Average Dose

1 grain (0.06 Gm.).

Belladonna Radix

Eng., Belladonna Root. The dried root of Atropa Belladonna yielding not less than 0.45 per cent. of alkaloids (principally atropine).

Average Dose

3/4 grain (0.045 Gm.).

Official Preparations of the Leaves.

Emplastrum Belladonnae

Eng., Belladonna Plaster. Contains 30 per cent. of the Extract of Belladonna Leaves.

Extractum Belladonnae Foliorum

Eng., Extract of Belladonna Leaves. Contains about 1.25 per cent. of the alkaloids of Belladonna Leaves.

Average Dose

1/4 grain (0.015 Gm.).

Tinctura Belladonnae Foliorum

Eng., Tincture of Belladonna Leaves. Represents 10 per cent. of the drug in diluted alcohol. Average Dose.-12 minims (0.75 mil).

1 Shoemaker: Materia Medica and Therapeutics.

2 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

Unguentum Belladonnae

Eng., Belladonna Ointment. Contains 10 per cent. of the Extract of Belladonna Leaves.

Official Preparations of the Root.

Fluidextractum Belladonnae Radicis

Eng., Fluidextract of Belladonna Root.

Average Dose

1 minim (0.05 mil).

Linimentum Belladonnae

Eng., Belladonna Liniment. Contains 5 per cent. of Camphor in Fluidextract of Belladonna Root.

Official Alkaloid and Salt.

Atropina

Eng., Atropine.

Average Dose

1/120 grain (0.0005 Gm.).

Atropinae Sulphas

Eng., Sulphate of Atropine. Average Dose.-1/120 grain (0.0005 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Stimulant, narcotic, anodyne, antispasmodic, mydriatic, rubefacient, anhydrotic, antisialic, antiga-lactagogue.

Uses

Used as an antispasmodic and anodyne in connection with other agents, as morphine or bromides, in the treatment of renal colic, gall-stone colic, cramp colic, dysmenorrhea, etc. Employed with other agents for cystitis, constipation, neuralgia, asthma, whooping-cough, incontinence of urine, etc. Useful for pulmonary edema, night-sweats, salivation, hay fever, and to arrest the secretion of milk. Used externally in ointments for glandular swellings, infections, etc. Atropine or homatropine are employed to dilate the pupil.

Toxicology

Belladonna poisoning is usually manifested by dilated pupils, dry mouth, dry and flushed skin, excitement, delirium, elevated blood-pressure and rapid pulse. Later there may follow collapse and coma. There may be a skin eruption which is usually scarlatiniform in appearance. Treatment.-In the early stages the stomach should be washed out, preferably with a solution of potassium permanganate (about 1:3000), and sedatives and ice-cap used as indicated. Morphine, with proper care, is serviceable. During the stage of coma, stimulants, as caffeine, camphor, etc., are indicated.

Administration

Internal.-The tincture and extract and atropine sulphate are the preparations most commonly used, the tincture being used for solutions and the extract or atropine sulphate when it is desired to give in pills, capsules, etc.

Hypodermic

Atropine Sulphate is the form employed, either alone or more commonly with morphine. It is used by the physician but not prescribed to be used by the patient.

Locally

The extract itself or the ointment made from the extract are the preparations most commonly used.

The following prescriptions illustrate the use of the drug:

In the treatment of cystitis:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every four hours.

In the treatment of whooping-cough; also spasmodic croup:

M.

Sig

Teaspoon ful in water every two to four hours. (For child 5 years old).

This is not used for an extended period. In whooping-cough it is employed to control the stage of most violent paroxysms. In croup a dose is usually given in the morning, and two or three doses in the afternoon and evening, for three days. In the treatment of gonorrhea:

M.

Sig

Tablespoon ful in water four times daily.

In the treatment of spasmodic croup:

M.

Sig

Teaspoon ful every hour till relieved. (For child 2 years old).

1 White and Martin: Oenito-urinary and Venereal Diseases.

2 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

As a postoperative laxative:

M. ft. cap. no. x. Sig.-One at bedtime.

In the treatment of constipation:

M. ft. cap. no. xx. Sig.-One at bedtime.

In the treatment of coryza:

M. ft. cap. no. xij.

Sig

One every half-hour for four hours, then one every three hours.

In the treatment of inflammations, as mastitis, furuncle, inflammatory rheumatism, orchitis, etc.:

M.

Sig

Apply twice daily.

To relieve pain, particularly in such conditions as cystitis, oophoritis, appendicitis, etc.:

M. ft. suppos. no. iv. Sig.-One twice daily.

1 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

2 Ibid.

3 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

In the treatment of salivation:

M. ft. cht. no. x.

Sig

One every three hours until pupils dilate.