Adrenalin [Adren.]
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Natural History.
An Internal Secretion of Suprarenal Glands
General.
Adrenalin or Epinephrine, the active principle of the medulla of the
suprarenal gland, (cortical secretion not as yet isolated), is employed as a
chemical messenger in the regulation of the activities of the body; in fact, its
presence is essential to the activity of the sympathetic nerve. Adrenalin action
on any part is the same as STIMULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE ENDINGS thereto.
Local application (1:1, 000 solution) to mucous membranes promptly induces
transient ischaemia, seen in a BLANCHING, persisting several hours from
conjunctival instillation. Its action is very prompt, efficient, EVANESCENT,
owing to rapid oxidation and therefore practically harmless, UNLESS too
frequently repeated, when atheroma and heart lesions - myocardial - in animals
have been reported. Arteries, heart, suprarenal bodies and vasomotor system are
prominently affected.
The main action of Adrenalin is stimulation of the SYMPATHETIC ENDINGS,
notably the splanchnic area, causing CONSTRICTION OF THE PERIPHERAL ARTERIOLES,
with resulting RISE IN BLOOD PRESSURE. This is especially observed in stomach,
intestines; less in uterus, skin; nil in brain and lungs. Furthermore, is
noticed, SLOWING OF PULSE, (medullary vagus stimulation), and STRENGTHENING OF
HEART BEAT (increased myocardial contractility), resembling Digitalis; increased
glandular activity, glycosuria; depression of respiratory center; contraction of
muscular tissue of eye, uterus, vagina; relaxation of muscular tissue of
stomach, intestines, bladder.
Its chief therapeutic use depends on its VASOCONSTRICTION action; therefore a
most powerful and prompt ASTRINGENT AND HEMOSTATIC, and invaluable in CHECKING
capillary hemorrhages from ALL parts, where LOCAL or direct application is
feasible: nose, ear, mouth, throat, larynx, stomach, rectum, uterus, bladder.
Hemorrhagic condition not due to defective coagulation of the blood. Complete
BLOODLESSNESS, ischaemia, may be induced with impunity. Locally, solutions (1:
10, 000-1: 1, 000) sprayed or applied on cotton have been very efficient in
bloodless operations about the eye, nose, throat, and larynx.
Congestions of the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, also hay fever, have been
markedly alleviated by warm spray of Adrenalin chloride, 1: 5, 000. Here
compare, Hepar 1X, which will start up secretions and so facilitate drainage.
Werlhoff's disease, hypodermically, 1: 1, 000. Externally, it has been used in
neuritis, neuralgia, reflex pains, gout, rheumatism, as an ointment, 1-2 m. of
(1: 1, 000) solution, along the nerve trunk at point of skin nearest its origin
which could be reached (H. G. Carlton).
Therapeutically, Adrenalin has been suggested in acute congestion of lungs,
ASTHMA, Grave's and Addison's diseases, arteriosclerosis, chronic aortitis,
angina pectoris, hemophilia, chlorosis, hay fever, serum rashes, acute
urticaria, etc. Dr. P. Jousset reports success in treating, homeopathically,
cases of angina and or aortitis, sub-acute and chronic, when Adrenalin has been
prescribed PER OS and in infinitesimal dose. The symptom guiding to this is,
SENSATION OF THORACIC CONSTRICTION WITH ANGUISH. This, with vertigo, nausea and
vomiting have been produced by the drug. ABDOMINAL PAIN. SHOCK or heart failure
during anesthesia, as it causes very prompt rise of blood pressure by its action
on nerve endings in the vessel wall.
Dose.
Hypodermically, 1-5 m. (1: 1, 000 solution, as chloride) diluted in water.
Internally, 5-30 m. of 1: 1, 000 solution.
CAUTION. On account of its affinity for oxygen, the drug easily decomposes in
watery and dilute acid solutions. The solution must be protected from air and
light. It must not be too frequently repeated, owing to cardiac and arterial
lesions. For homeopathic use 2X to 6X attenuation
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