SEARCH · PubMed Health
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Physostigmine salicylate has proved to be a very useful agent for use in the recovery room. All but two of our first 110 patients receiving it were returned to full consciousness, whether they had been comatose or agitated. In our hands it has been used to reverse the adverse central effects of tranquilizers, antihistamines and belladonna alkaloids.
We report a case of plant-poisoning of a young man following the consumption of a self-brewed infusion made of a solanaceous plant, to which he was seduced by his friends. He developed anticholinergic symptoms such as optical hallucinations, confusion, mydriasis and tachycardia. 14 hours after admission the patient was discharged from hospital in good health. With regard to this case we portray the mentioned plant (Scopolica carniolica Jacq.) and discuss the symptoms of belladonna-alkaloid-poisoning and its therapy. Further on, in a short literature survey, we depict the meaning of collective drug experiences with plants containing atropine-like substances in ancient and modern times.
Hot flashes can be a major problem for patients with a history of breast cancer. Although oestrogen can alleviate hot flashes to a large extent in most patients, there has been debate about the safety of oestrogen use in survivors of breast cancer. The decrease in hot flashes achieved with progestational agents is similar to that seen with oestrogen therapy but, again, there is some debate about the safety of progestational agents in patients with a history of breast cancer. Several alternative substances have therefore been investigated. These include a belladonna alkaloid preparation, clonidine, soy phyto-oestrogens, vitamin E, gabapentin, and several of the newer antidepressants, with venlafaxine being the best studied to date. Several studies in progress may provide better non-hormonal means of treating hot flashes in the future.
A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study in hospital and general practice has shown that a combination of belladonna alkaloids, ergotamine tartrate, and phenobarbitone (Bellergal) was effective in treating troublesome symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome of which fatigue, tender breasts, nervousness, irritability, lethargy and listlessness were improved to a statistically significant degree. The drug was given three times daily and caused no side effects.
An outbreak of cholinergic poisoning occurred in New York City during a 3-day period. Seven individuals from three families of South American origin were affected. Signs and symptoms of illness included dry skin, hyperthermia, tachycardia, dilated pupils, agitation, and hallucinations. Onset of illness in all cases was temporally associated with consumption of a tea that was labeled "Paraguay Tea" and was purchased from a grocery store specializing in South American foods. Paraguay tea, made from the leaves of the holly, Ilex paraguariensis, contains caffeine and theophylline and is a popular beverage in South America. Samples of the tea analyzed with gas chromatography contained belladonna alkaloids but neither caffeine nor theophylline. An investigation by the New York City Department of Health personnel determined that the tea was from a single lot, imported by one distributor, and sold at one grocery store. Unsold inventories of the tea were quarantined, and no further cases of anticholinergic poisoning were reported.
A discussion of the various parasympathetic depressants is presented. Belladonna alkaloids include atropine, the prototype, and scopolamine. Synthetic drugs include quaternary ammonium compounds with antimuscarinic activity such as methantheline, propantheline, and other drugs such as isopropamide, pipenzolate methylbromide, and diphemanil methylsulfate. A miscellaneous class of drugs such as hemicholinium, valethamate, and oxybutynin chloride also possesses parasympathetic depressant activity. The pharmacologic properties and clinical usage of these drugs are discussed.
Jimson weed (Datura stramonium), is a wild growing herb that contains belladonna alkaloids. Recently there have been reports of intentional ingestion of Jimson weed by adolescents for psychedelic purposes. When seen in emergency department, these patients appear with physical signs of atropine-like poisoning, disturbances of thought and hallucinations. Diagnosis depends on a positive history, if available, and recognition of anticholinergic effects. Differentiation from lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) ingestion and schizophrenia is important. Physostigmine, an anticholinergic agent, can reverse both central and peripheral manifestations of Jimson weed intoxication.
Inadvertent anticholinergic poisoning can result from consumption of foods contaminated with plants that contain belladonna alkaloids. During March 1994, the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) investigated seven cases of anticholinergic poisoning in members of three families; three of the seven ill persons required emergency treatment for characteristic manifestations. For all cases, manifestations occurred within 2 hours after drinking tea made from leaves purchased commercially and labeled as Paraguay tea--an herbal tea derived from the plant llex paraguariensis, which is native to South America. This report summarizes the investigation of these cases.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Recent major advances in pharmacological management have provided asthmatics with a satisfactory range of drugs to control asthma. These include sodium cromoglycate (cromolyn sodium), H1-antagonists, belladonna alkaloids, methyl xanthines, glucocorticoids and beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulants. Despite the tendency for most asthmatics to develop bronchoconstriction after exercise, sport and physical activity are now accepted as valuable in the overall management of patients with asthma. Thus, control of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is essential, if asthmatics are to participate safely in physical activity and without respiratory disadvantage in competitive sport. Fortunately, inhibition or minimization of exercise-induced asthma may be achieved in most asthmatics by pre-exercise aerosol beta 2-agonists supplemented if necessary by sodium cromoglycate and/or theophylline. Regular medication as required to attain and maintain normal ventilatory function throughout each day is the objective in all patients with asthma and appears to be a prerequisiste to control exercise-induced asthma. The introduction of anti-doping controls into high performance sport has presented added difficulties for the asthmatic athlete. Although not always so, currently all of the classes of drugs previously noted are acceptable for the treatment of asthma and exercise-induced asthma. Anomalies may exist in the banning of 2 beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists, fenoterol and orciprenaline (metaproterenol). All sympathomimetic amines with alpha- or predominantly beta-stimulation are banned. The perpetuation of the need to report the use of beta 2-agonists prior to competition appears unnecessary. Although relatively little specific research has been undertaken, there is minimal evidence to suggest that asthmatics can derive any additional ergogenic advantage from medication to control asthma and exercise-induced asthma. beta 2-agonists, sodium cromoglycate and glucocorticoids administered by the aerosol route are not considered to be ergogenic. Some doubts have been raised concerning theophylline and its enhancement of both cardiac and respiratory muscle function. Investigations as to the validity of the suggestion that theophylline could augment physical performance appear warranted. It is reported that some athletes may be unnecessarily taking oral and perhaps parenteral glucocorticoids to obtain certain side effects. Any decision to ban these agents except for aerosol or local use could be supported.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.