An oily liquid with a camphoraceous odor.
Action and Uses: Local rubefacient and analgesic.
*Chloralum Hydratum (Chloral. Hydrat.), Hydrated Chloral, U.S.P. (“Chloral,” Chloral Hydrate).—CCl3.CHO + H2O.
Colorless, transparent crystals, with an aromatic, penetrating odor and a bitterish, caustic taste. Very soluble in water (1:0.25) and in alcohol (1:1.3).
Action and Uses: A reliable hypnotic in moderate doses, inducing a condition closely resembling that of normal sleep. Used for the relief of insomnia and nervousness, and for the control of convulsions and spasms. Should be used with special caution in cases of weakened heart or blood vessels. Continued use is likely to produce a habit.
Dosage: 0.5 Gm. or 8 grains (U.S.P.), in solution. Decomposed by alkalies; should not be dispensed in liquids containing both bromides and alcohol.
Mistura Chloralis et Potassii Bromidi Composita (Mist. Chloral. et Pot. Brom. Co.), Compound Mixture of Chloral and Potassium Bromide, N.F. (Chloral and Bromide Compound).—Hydrated chloral (20%), potassium bromide (20%), extract of hyoscyamus (0.2%) in water. The formula calls for cannabis but this is filtered out.
Uses: Similar in composition to the widely advertised nostrum Bromidia and equally irrational and objectionable.
Dosage: 4 Cc. or 1 fluidrachm (N.F.).
*Chloroformum (Chlorof.), Chloroform, U.S.P.—CHCl3.