An alkaloid drug derived from a plant formerly much used in medicine in ointments to relieve pain.
In an overdose it is a dangerous poison. Once it was used in fevers. Whenever poisoning occurs, as shown by vomiting, motor weakness, burning in the abdomen, and a fall in the pulse and breathing rates, the stomach is washed by encouraging vomiting and by using a stomach tube. Atropine and digitalis are antidotes.