Lobelia and Tobacco.
Emetics or the stomach-tube should be employed, as should also Tannin, and free stimulation externally by sinapisms, friction, and dry heat ; internally or hypodermically Alcohol, Ammonia, and Ether, with Strychnine gr.) and small doses of Opium should be administered. The patient must be kept strictly in the horizontal position.
Mercury (Corrosive Sublimate).
Emetics or the very cautious use of the stomach-tube will be required. (The tube should not be used except in the very early stages of the poisoning.) Starch, or Gluten (prepared by washing flour in a muslin bag), the uncooked whites of half a dozen eggs, followed by demulcent drinks, milk and oil are to be given by the mouth, and Morphine subcutaneously and Alcohol by the rectum, whilst heat is to be kept to the surface of the body by means of hot water bottles.
Morphine—see Opium. Nitro-Benzene.
The stomach-tube should be used, and a stream of warm water passed through it. Alcohol and fats must not be used, the main reliance being placed upon counter-irritation by Mustard, artificial respiration and Galvanism, and measures useful in Prussic Acid poisoning, as Atropine gr. or Strychnine o gr. hypodermically.
This substance is wrongly used to flavour sweetmeats as a substitute for Benzaldehyde, which is innocuous, being the essential oil of almonds deprived of prussic acid. Poisoning by Bitter Almond is to be treated as Acid, Prussic, Poisoning.
Nux Vomica—see Strychnine. Opium, or Morphine.
The stomach-tube, or in its absence emetics (if the patient is capable of swallowing), must be resorted to, or gr. of Apomorphine injected hypoder mically. The stomach should be washed out with tepid water, and filled with strong coffee or tea, or any infusion or liquid containing Tannin. Owingto the fact that the mucous membrane of the stomach continues to excrete the poison, it has been advocated that it is of the greatest importance in all severe cases that the stomach be repeatedly washed out at short intervals during the treatment .
Permanganate of Potash has been demonstrated to be a chemical antidote to morphine, weight for weight, and as it can do no harm it should be given immediately without waiting for vomiting (5 grs. in 5 oz. water). The stomach
should be thoroughlywashed on t with a weaker solution after it has been emptied by the tube, and at a later stage the washing may be repeated to get rid of any of the alkaloid which has been excreted by the gastric mucous membrane.
Catfeine, Atropine or Strychnine hypodermically is to be administered. This latter should be repeated frequently as long as there are dangerous cardiac or respi ratory sympt outs ; gr. may be given every 2 or 3 hours. Flagellations, cold and hot allusions alternately, elect rieity, extensive sinapisms or very hot water to cause vesication in desperate cases must be employed to rouse the patient, and when once roused he should never be allowed to fall asleep again, but should be kept continually on t he move, though every care must be exercised lest this should be carried too far so as to induce exhaustion, as is, unfortunately, often clone. Artificial respiration may be required. The dose of Atropine should not exceed 2i mins. of the liquor, and should not be repeated, as a larger Close only reinforces the action of the morphia.
Oxalic Acid.
The stomach-tube or emetics must be used. Lime (saceharated lime water, putty of lime or chalk) is the best antidote; one good dose of Castor Oil, connter-irritation, 'free stimulation by Strychnine hypodermically and by Alcohol per rectum, and the treatment for gastro-enteric inflammation should be followed.
Phosphorus.
The stomach-tube or emetics will be necessary. Sulphate of Copper, 5 grs. every 15 minutes, is both antidote and emetic, and the stomach afterwards should be freely washed out with a weak solution of this salt. Permanganate of Potassium, 5 grs. in 2 oz. water, will act as an efficient antidote, or Peroxide of Hydrogen may be given if at hand. French Oil of Turpentine or any old Oil of Turpentine, purgatives and demulcent drinks containing Magnesia and Albumin should be swallowed. Oils and butter should be avoided.