Dose.—Same as alum.
Actions.—Astringent, at first excites flow of saliva, then markedly decreases it; coagulates pepsin, thus it would derange or entirely arrest digestion; it also stops peristalsis and produces constipation, though sometimes it induces diarrhoea by irritation. It arrests secretions in general and in the circulation contracts the capillaries; it is in this way it arrests secretions, especially those of mucous surfaces, and stops capillary hemorrhage. The sulphate of aluminum is mildly caustic, astringent and antiseptic. Dried alum is caustic and astringent.
Externally.—Dried alum is a caustic, in contact with raw sores, on account of its affinity for water. Alum has no action on unbroken skin, but applied to mucous membranes or denuded parts it is antiseptic and astringent; coagulates albumin of discharges; precipitates or coagulates albumin of the tissues; squeeze blood out of the vessels; reduces inflammation and makes the part whiter, brings together and denser. Alum is a hemostatic, stopping bleeding by compression of the structures surrounding the vessels and by causing blood to clot.
Uses.—In diarrhoea and dysentery, but other astringents are safer and better, as it may lock the bowels too tight, may be used in weeping sores or weeping skin diseases; in long standing nail wounds by putting one-half to one pound into the soaking tub, also in same way for injured coronets, with raw bulging surfaces that bleed easily, also for sore mouth, sometimes mix a little boric acid; useful in bleeding piles, and in mild solution alum one ounce to water one pint for sore throat; also used internally for bloody urine (haematuria) and for open joints apply the powdered alum to arrest the flow of joint oil (synovia). For catarrhal ophthalmia, after the acute stage, an alum lotion five grains to one ounce of water is very serviceable; for granular lids rub with a crystal of alum. Alum should never be used too strong over the eye as it seems to have the power of dissolving the cornea; a solution containing ten grains of alum to the ounce of water may be used in canker of the ear of dogs; also for leucorrhoea and prolapsus of the rectum; dried alum may be used as a caustic whenever a caustic is indicated, but is not recommended for this purpose. For a powerful drying powder, especially useful when excessive granulation exists. It causes sloughing of the dead tissues and is indicated when the use of the knife is inadmissible.
AMYLIS NITRIS—AMYL NITRITE
A liquid containing about 80 per cent of amyl nitrite, together with variable quantities of undetermined compounds.
Derivation.—Obtained through distillation of nitric and amylic alcohol. Distillate purified by sodium carbonate.
Properties.—A clear, yellow or pale yellow liquid, oily, very volatile, peculiar and very diffusive ethereal odor and a pungent aromatic taste. Insoluble in water, but soluble in all proportions in alcohol, ether and chloroform.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1⁄2 to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 15 ms.; dogs, 2 to 5 ms.; amyl nitrite is very seldom given internally; hypodermically, one-half this dose. By inhalation, same as given internally. It should be fresh as it rapidly deteriorates.
Actions.—It stimulates the heart’s action, greatly dilates the arterioles by paralyzing their muscular coats; causes a sense of fullness in the brain with vertigo, fall of blood pressure due to dilation of the arterioles, lowering of temperature; when the vapor is applied direct to muscular or nerve tissues it suspends or completely arrests its functional activity; it depresses the nervous system and unstriped muscular fiber. Overdoses cause death by respiratory failure.