314 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Creosotum. Creosote. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Kreosotum, P.G.; kr^osote, Fr.; kreosot, G. 



Derivation. — A mixture of phenols, chiefly guaiacol and 

 cresol, obtained during the distillation of wood tar, prefer- 

 ably of that derived from the beech, Fagus sylvatica Linne. 

 (Nat. ord. cupuliferse.) 



PropeHies. — An almost colorless, yellowish or pinkish^ 

 highly refractive, oily liquid, having a penetrating, smoky 

 odor, and a burning, caustic taste. Usually becoming 

 darker in tint on exposure to the light. Spec. gr. not below 

 1.070 at 59^ F. Soluble in about 150 parts of water, but 

 without forming a perfectly clear solution. Freely soluble 

 in alcohol, ether, chloroform, acetic acid, fixed and volatile 

 oils. 



i>ose.—H., ITlxv. -XXX. (1.-2.); C, 3ss.-i. (2.-4); Sh. and 

 Sw., Htv.-xv. (.3-1.); D., 11lss.-ii. (.03-.12). 



Action and Uses. — The action of creosote upon animals 

 is practically the same as that of carbolic acid, both in 

 therapeutic and toxic doses. The antidotes (soluble sul- 

 phates) and treatment of poisoning are also similar. 

 Externally, creosote is as effective a germicide as carbolic 

 acid, but the latter is usually preferred, being much cheaper. 

 Creosote may be applied in the same strength for its local 

 antiseptic, parasiticide, and local anaesthetic action. Inter^ 

 natty f creosote is administered, as is carbolic acid, to check 

 vomiting and to act as an intestinal antiseptic. Outside of 

 of the body, creosote is employed in inhalation in inflam- 

 matory diseases of the upper portion of the respiratory 

 tract, and to kill parasites in the air passages. Intra- 

 tracheal injection may be substituted for inhalation in the 

 latter condition. 



Creolinum. Creolin. (Non-official). 



Derivation. — Obtained from soft coal by dry distillation. 

 Composition very complex. Is said to contain cresol and 

 higher homologues of phenol. 



