POISONING. — The value of apomor phine as an antispasmodic is attested by Edward Balm, of Hyderabad, who tried it in a distressing case of hiccough in a man, 50 years old, who had suffered from the affection for about six months. It is thus shown to be doubly valuable as an emetic in cases of poisoning from the ingestion of such drugs as strych nine, that cause tetanic manifestations, although after poisonous doses of drugs such as chloral—in which the symptoms are quite the opposite—it is equally useful.
Case in which recovery followed after a large dose of chloral. The patient, a young man, had taken suicidally 3 ounces of syrup of chloral (B. P.). He was found in the morning unconscious, with cold, clammy, and livid body; ster torous respiration; small and quick pulse, and dilated pupils. The treat ment consisted of an hypodermic injec tion of grain of apomorphine, which was followed immediately by profuse vomiting; the injection of a pint of hot, strong coffee; heaters, and flagella tion. After two hours of treatment the patient could speak and swallow hot coffee. Ile continued to improve, and in twelve hours more, though somewhat dazed, had practically recovered. Hol burton (Brit. Med. Jour., Nov. 12, '92).
Case of attempted suicide by strych nine in which the patient had swallowed a pill containing IV, grains of the drug. Apomorphine, cutaneous frictions, cold douches, chloral-hydrate, and bromide of potassium brought about recovery. J. Augustin and P. Flor (Spitalul, Nos. 11, 12, '94).
In very severe cases it may be neces sary to administer 1/to grain every ten minutes until some effect is obtained, or exhibit grain at a single injection. In feeble persons and in children great caution must be exercised.
Case of strychnine poisoning in which apomorphine, in doses of to Yin grain, subcutaneously injected, com pletely subdued the convulsions, and, eventually. successfully antagonized the excitant alkaloid. Horsley (Canadian Practitioner, Dee. 0, '90).
Case of a man who took a large dose of bromidic and became violently insane, requiring three men to control him. Soon after receiving grain of apo morphine he vomited, had a movement of the bowels, his mental condition was relieved, and he slept well the remainder of the night. Ingram (Southern Med. Record, Apr., '92).