Croton OiL The general treatment for irritant poisons may be used—viz., Emetics, or, if in the early stage, the gentle use of the soft rubber stomach-tube, demulcent drinks, soothing enemata and Opium. Free stimulation and the application of a large poultice to the abdomen, and the use of a Morphia Suppository and external warmth to combat shock:may be necessary.
Cyanide of Potassium.
Poisoning is to be treated as if Hydrocyanic Acid had been swallowed, and, if seen at once, give Solution of Ferrous Sulphate (3o grs.) and use the alternate hot and cold douche, whilst Atropine is given by hypodermic injection and Ammonia inhaled by the nostrils. Artificial respiration should be persevered with. Whilst the poison is in the stomach Permanganate of Potassium may be given., or its absorption delayed by a # oz. Adrenalin solution (1 in x,000) till the tube can be introduced.
Digitalis.
The stomach-tube or emetics, especially Sulphate of Zinc ( dr.), or so mins. of Apomorphine solution hypodermically, Tannin or animal Charcoal, free stimulation and the hypodermic injection of gr. Aconitine, and the free use of Opium, are required. Muscarin ( gr.) is antagonistic, and Alcohol should be given. The patient should be kept absolutely quiet, and in the horizontal position.
Eserine, or Calabar Bean.
Emetics or the stomach-tube, with Tannin or any Tannin-containing liquid, may be employed, but hypodermic injections of Atropine (-A„ gr.) till the pupils widely dilate afford the best chance. Strychnine and Chloral have been recommended. Artificial respiration should be assiduously tried, with friction and warmth externally. If seen immediately give 5-so grs. Pot. Permang. in solution.
Ether (Inhalation).
Pull forward the tongue, give free current of air, commence artificial respira tion, and try the Konig-Maas method, and treat as if Chloroform poisoning.
Formalin.
Ammonia is decidedly antidotal. Formaldehyde is changed into the comparatively harmless urotropine upon the addition of free ammonia. The best method to pursue in poisoning is to give small doses of ammonia largely diluted with water, or 2 oz. Liquor Ammon. Acetatis every hour.
Fungi, or Muscarin.
Emetics or the stomach-tube should be used, and Atropine given hypo dermically gr.), and repeated till the pupils dilate, or Digitalis or Morphine
may be given. Free stimulation, sinapisms, and friction may be required.
Gelsemium.
The stomach-tube or emetics are to be used, and Bicarbonate of Potassium and Tannin freely given; warmth, free stimulation with Alcohol, electricity and artificial respiration arc to be kept up.
Hypodermics of Atropine or Digitalis are partially antagonistic. The best result will follow 3 mins. of atropine solution?, and if signs- ofi heart faid-ure stow themselves gr. Strychnine should be given by the needle.
Hyoscyamus.
Same as for Atropine.
Iodine.
Emetics or the cautious use of the rubber stomach-tube should be employed, together with the free administration of starch, arrowroot, bread, boiled potatoes or flour, lime water and demulcent drinks.
Sodium Hyposulphite is believed to be preferable to saccharated Lime solution.
Iodoform.
Emetics or the stomach-tube, and large diluted doses' of Bicarbonate of Soda, followed by free stimulation and a hot pack. Saline soluthon injected hypodermically in large doses is recommended by Kocher.
Laburnum.
The stomach-tube, if possible, should be always used, even if vomiting has occurred, as portions of seeds, Stc., may remain in the stomach. Free stimula tion, and in bad cases injection of Ammonia by a vein, may be resorted to. Counter-irritation, friction and the cold douche are necessary, and a smart purgative should be administered afterwards to clear out the intestinal tract.
Lead Salts.
The stomach-tube, or preferably a large emetic of Sulphate of Zinc, which is also an antidote, should be given, and followed by milk, white of egg, diluted Sulphuric Acid, Epsom or Glauber's Salt, or Phosphate of Sodium, Sulphuretted Hydrogen or Harrogate water. Demulcent drinks, with mild Opiates to allay pain and spasm, may be administered. See also under Plumbism, where chronic lead poisoning by treatment with Iodide of Potassium is described.
Lime.
Carbonic Acid—any Aerated water, as soda-water or lemonade—is very useful, or weak Acetic Acid, Vinegar or Lemon-juice diluted, and followed by Oil or demulcent drinks, may be freely administered. The stomach-pump should not he used.