ORIGIN.--Cinchona is obtained from the bark of a tree (Cinchona
Calisaya), which grows in South America, East Indies and Jamaica. It
contains at least five per cent of its peculiar alkaloids, of which not
less than one-half should be quinine sulphate, which is the most
important.
ACTIONS.--Cinchona is an astringent. Other than that cinchona and its
alkaloids possess the same actions, that being, bitter tonic, stimulant,
antiseptic, antiperiodic, antipyretic, antiphlogistic, antimiasmatic,
stomachic and antiferment. Large doses are general depressants.
USES.--Cinchona and its alkaloids are recommended for all classes of
patients as bitter stomachic and tonics. They stimulate the appetite,
check abnormal gastro-intestinal fermentation and counteract relaxed
conditions of the intestines and the accumulations of mucus, which prove
favorable to the development of worms.
In troublesome cases of atonic indigestion in horses respond rapidly
when quinine sulphate is frequently given in thirty to forty grain doses
with half a drachm of dilute nitric or hydrochloric acid. Weak foals and
calves suffering from relaxed condition of the bowels, following a dose
of castor oil are often much benefited by a few doses of cinchona bark,
hydrochloric acid dilute and brandy.
Few medicines are so effectual as cinchona bark or quinine sulphate in
improving appetite and muscular strength and hastening convalescence
from debilitating disease.
They are advantageous in anaemia joined with iron salts.
Good results are obtained from cinchona or quinine in the earlier stages
of tuberculosis, in septicaemia and pyaemia in all animals; in
influenza, protracted cases of strangles, purpura and other similar
diseases of the horse; in septic metritis in cows and ewes and in
lingering cases of distemper in dogs. Their beneficial effects in these
and other diseases probably depending on the action of quinine on
micro-organisms or their products. It is often useful in rheumatism
conjoined with salicylic acid or potassium iodide. Administered with
cathartics, like other bitter tonics, it generally increases their
activity. Alternated with cod liver or olive oil and iron, quinine is
the best tonic for weak dogs and those suffering from chorea.
Quinine and urea hydrochloride has recently come into use as local
anaesthetic. One per cent solutions make a satisfactory substitute for
cocaine, etc. It also has advantages over cocaine. It is non-toxic, it
may be exposed to a boiling temperature and its anaesthetic effect for
dogs after an operation, therefore aiding in dressing of wounds. Its
anaesthetic effect comes on within five minutes to half an hour after
being injected into the intended seat of operation.
Speaking from practical experience, I prefer quinine and urea
hydrochloride to cocaine or any of its allies.
DOSE.--Of the powdered cinchona bark: Horses, 2 dr. to 1 oz.; cattle, 1
to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 4 dr.; dogs, 10 gr. to 1 dr.