SPIRITUS GLYCERYLIS NITRATIS—SPIRIT OF GLYCERYL TRINITRATE—SPIRIT OF GLONOIN
An alcoholic solution containing one per cent, by weight, of nitroglycerine. It is probably decomposed in the formation of potassium and sodium nitrite.
Derivation.—Nitroglycerine is prepared by dropping pure glycerine upon a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids, kept cool by ice, and purified by washing with water. The official one per cent solution is not explosive unless it becomes concentrated by evaporation to an extent exceeding ten per cent.
Properties.—A clear, colorless liquid, possessing the odor and taste of alcohol. Caution should be exercised in tasting it, since even a small quantity is liable to produce violent headache.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1⁄2 to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 20 m.; dogs, 1 to 2 m. It is administered hypodermically, intravenously, intracheally or by the mouth according to the emergency of the case. For hypodermic injections one-half drachm is usually sufficient and should be diluted with one or two parts of water. It may be repeated in 15 or 20 minutes if necessary, then every hour or two if required. Care should be exercised not to repeat oftener than is necessary, or to give too large a dose as violent headache is produced by the drug in animals as well as in man.
Actions.—Are the same as amyl nitrite, but more prolonged.
Spirit of nitroglycerine is the most prompt and powerful of all heart stimulants, showing its effects usually within three to five minutes.
Uses.—It is best used in the official solution, but for dogs may be carried in tablets or pills containing 1⁄100 of a grain of glonoin. The spirit, however is more dependable. It is a good plan in cases of cardiac weakness to brace up the heart with Spirit of Glonoin, then maintain the effect with Tincture Strophanthus.