Page 355 - My FlipBook

COCAINE. 353

positive electrode with a strong cocaine solution, applied it to the
skin and applied the negative pole a short distance from the posi-
tive, and found that incisions could be made u^ithout producing
any pain. (See Cataphoresis.)
Cocaine is locally applied in stomatitis before cauterizing the
affected area of membrane, also in soreness and tenderness of the
gums, in pharyngitis, and in coryza and hay fever, in the form of
a powder combined with morphine and bismuth, which is snuffed
into the nostrils ; also in minor surgery, such as amputation of
the fingers, etc., etc. Schleich's infiltration ancesthesia consists in
injecting into the skin, as superficially as possible, a solution of
common salt, cocaine, and morphine to produce local anssthesia^
and thereby pressure on the nerve-filaments, which are also de-
pressed by the cold liquid coming in contact with them ; and the
local anemia so caused assists in destroying sensation. Whereas
cocaine is soluble in fats, its salts are not, hence cocaine itself
should only be used in anaesthetic salves or ointments. Internally
administered, cocaine or the fluid extract of coca is of service in
low fevers as a supportive and stimulant; in the vomiting of
pregnancy, and other forms of severe emesis, as it depresses the
gastric sensory nerves, thus decreasing the irritability of the
stomach. It is also employed for the opium habit, but if given
largely may induce the cocaine habit. The cocaine habit is more
liable to occur among patients who are informed of the nature of
the remedy used and especially is this the case when it is em-
ployed internally for medicinal purposes. Individual susceptibility
to the toxic influence of cocaine is a complication of sufficiently
frequent occurrence to surround the use of the drug with due care
and caution ; but it is not a contra indication to its employment
as an anaesthetic.
Dose.—The dose of the fluid extract {Extractwn Cocce Fluidum^
is from yi to 2 drachms. The dose of Cocaine is from ^ to i/^
grain. The dose of the Hydrochlorate of Cocaine is i to 3^
grain.
A point of considerable importance in using cocaine hypoder-
for frequently
mically is to make use of a perfectly aseptic syringe ;
in cases where the drug is so used and suppuration follows, it is
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