Part of the bulb of Urginea maritima, a plant or Southern Europe.

Squill increases the strength and reduces the frequency of the heart action; contracts the arterial system and raises blood pressure. It is diuretic by means of its action on the circulation in the kidneys, and a stimulant expectorant, increasing the bronchial secretion by improving the local circulation and aiding in the expulsion of the mucus.

In overdoses it is irritant, and may cause inflammation of the kidneys, with strangury and bloody urine, or suppression. It is also irritant to the stomach and intestines, and even in medicinal doses may disorder digestion. Full doses cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Symptoms Of Poisoning

Fatal poisoning has been caused by squill, in which these symptoms were present in an aggravated form, with marked depression of the pulse, convulsions, and collapse. Death has resulted from a dose of 24 grains.

Treatment Of Poisoning

The stomach and bowels must be emptied by ipecac and castor oil. Large quantites of water should be given to overcome the suppression of urine, and the usual methods of treating gastro-enteritis and collapse employed.

Preparations

Tinctura Scillae. Tincture Of Squill

Strength 10%. Average dose,  xv.-I mil.

Fluidextractum Scillae. Fluidextract Of Squill

Average dose,  iss.-0.1 mil.

Syrupus Scillae. Syrup Of Squill

Average dose,  xxx.-2 mils.

Syrupus Scillae Compositus. Compound Syrup Of Squill

Contains squill, senega, and tartar emetic. Average dose,  xxx.-2 mils.