Santonin.
is the favourite anthelmintic of the old school, and it is chiefly against lumbrici that it
has been given. From 2 to 5 grains are the ordinary doses, but these have caused severe and,
in one or two instances, fatal poisoning─convulsions, left-side
paralysis, delirium, vomiting, and purging have resulted. A case recorded by Demme was
quoted in Brit. Med. J., March 26, 1892: A boy, 3, was
given by his mother during three days fifteen tablets, each containing gr. 1/3 of Santonin. The symptoms produced were: Vomiting, dilatation of the
pupils, collapse, cyanosis, dyspnœa, and finally convulsions. After a warm bath with cold
affusions to head and spine, consciousness returned. The temperature was 103.5°, epistaxis
and hæmoglobinuria occurred, and a scarlatina-like eruption was noticed. The child
ultimately recovered. After a dose of 7 centigrammes, a child, 2, was seized with
prostration, convulsions, cramps, and icterus, followed on the third day by salivation and
ulceration of the gum (Bull. Ther. Jan. 30, 1872). Less
serious but very characteristic are the effects on the senses, especially the sense of
sight. Visions of figures have been produced, and coloured
vision is a frequent phenomenon, even when the lower triturations have been used. Yellow is
the predominant colour, but green and violet vision are also marked. The urine also is
yellow coloured and stains yellow, and is passed with much urging and painful burning. A
kind of giant urticaria occurred in one case. Hale records that Sant.
has cured cases of "nervous blindness." It was given to an old man, quite blind,
for worms, and his sight partially returned. This led to further trials. It was given in
nine cases of cataract, and, according to Hale, four were cured, the rest not benefited.
Hale mentions enuresis, strangury, chronic cystitis, as having been cured by it. It has made
some "brilliant cures" of chronic catarrh of the bladder. Infantile remittents,
with or without worms, have been cured by it. In one prover there was "sensitiveness of
the abdomen," which may be a keynote.