Poisons, Their Effects and Detection / A Manual for the Use of Analytical Chemists and Experts

by Alexander Wynter Blyth

If there is great tendency to heart-syncope, tincture of digitalis in ¹⁄₂-drachm doses by the mouth, or in hypodermic doses of from 10 drops upwards.

Apply a mustard poultice to the pericardium; aid vomiting and elimination of the poison by plenty of water, to which may be added brandy or any form of alcohol.

Inhalations of nitrite of amyl are said to have been useful. If the breathing stops, try artificial respiration.

Alcohol.

Empty the stomach by the tube or pump, and then wash it out with warm coffee; if the stomach-tube is not at hand, then empty the stomach by hypodermic injection of 5 drops of apomorphine, or by a mustard emetic, or sulphate of zinc. Keep the body very warm, but the cold douche may be applied to the head.

Endeavours should be made to rouse the patient, if insensible, by shaking, shouting at him, &c.

Inhalations of amyl nitrite are said to be useful.

Alkalies—Ammonia—Potash—Soda.—Stomach-pump or tube not to be used.

Vomiting nearly always present, or may be produced by administering plenty of lukewarm water; after which give dilute vinegar, or the juice of lemons or oranges; olive oil, the white of eggs, barley water, arrowroot, and always plenty of water may be administered.

There may be œdema of the glottis, especially if ammonia has been taken. In such a case, and death threatening from suffocation, perform tracheotomy. In poisoning by ammonia, with croupous respiration, keep the room warm, and fill it with steam by means of a bronchitis kettle.