Sedative belladonna

Nonnarcotic analgesic combinations usually consist of one or more of the fitUowing agents acetaminophen, salicylates, salsalate, and saUcylamide. Some of the products contain barbiturates, meprobamate, or antihistamines to produce a sedative effect, and antacids may be included to minimize gastric upset associated with the salicylates. Caffeine, a traditional adjuvant in many analgesic combinations, may be beneficial in the treatment of certain vascular headache syndromes. Some belladonna alkaloids may be incorporated for their antispasmodic properties. Pamabrom, a diuretic, and cinnamedrine, a sympathomimetic amine, are sometimes included in products for premenstrual syndrome. 

The combination of herbal sedatives such as valerian (V, officinalis), passion flower (Passiflora species), and anticholinergic Solanaceae (Atropa belladonna, Datura stromonium, Hyocyamus niger, and Mandragora offici-narum) with alcohol or antihistamines can potentiate the effects of antidepressants, antihistaminics, and antispasmodics, causing drowsiness and obtunding the ability to use machinery (D Arcy, 1993 De Smet et al., 1996). 

Humanity s first mood-altering substances were herbal sedatives and alcohol. Plants, which are now known to contain opium and belladonna alkaloids, were discovered millennia ago but entered mainstream medicine during the Renaissance and were widespread... 

However the gastroduodenal phytotherapy has not developed in a similar way. In the past century, opium extract was frequently used in the treatment of severe pain associated with peptic ulcer disease. Other sedative remedies prescribed included belladonna, hyosciamus, connium, and cannabis, drugs with analgesic or anticholinergic properties. 

The belladonna alkaloids (atropine, belladonna tincture, 1-hyoscyamine sulfate [anaspaz, levsin, others], and scopolamine), and combinations with sedatives e.g., phenobarbital [donnatal, others] or butabarbital [buhbel]), antianxiety agents e.g., chlordiazepoxide [librax, others], or ergotamine [bellamine]) also have been used in a wide variety of conditions of irritable bowel and increased tone (spasticity) or motility of the GI tract. Pharmacotherapy of inflammatory bowel disease is discussed in Chapter 38. Therapy of disorders of bowel motility and water flux are discussed in Chapter 37. 

Kodes of Application.—Internally — In the form of bolus, Tinctura Opii, or Tinctura Opii therea also Enema Opii. Although frequently given alone, it is often combined with belladonna, aconite, tartar emetic, or calomel, when required to act as a sedative and with chloroform, sulphuric ether, or nitrous ether, when employed as a stimulant or antispasmodic. As an injection, as well as by the mouth, in enteritis and inflammation of the bladder and kidneys. Externally —Liquor Flumbi Subacetatis et Opii Linimentum Opii Tinctura Opii. 

The inhalation of nebulized aerosols was advertised as beneficial for many ailments. The Sales-Girons device was advised for pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pain, catarrh, asthma, tuberculosis, and sleeplessness (12). The liquids and substances inhaled varied widely and included mineral water containing sulfur, iodine, and chlorine sedatives antiseptics and belladonna. In 1882, Yeo (3) prescribed the use of a mixture of creosote, carbolic acid, eucalyptus, or turpentine with equal parts of spirit and chloroform in his oronasal inhaler. The Yeo inhaler, which is poorly described, is probably more of a vaporizer than an early nebulizer. Earlier, in 1878, Lee (3) performed antiseptic experiments using a jet of steam containing a mixture of phenol and water. Iodoform, iodine, thymol, and terebene were also used (3). 

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