192 DEPRESSANTS TO PERIPHERAL NERVES 



as a local anesthetic in 2 to 4 per cent, solutions by injection and in 

 10 — 20 per cent, solutions for application to mucous membranes. It 

 produces anesthesia much less rapidly than cocaine but on the other 

 hand, the anesthesia is very persistent, lasting in some cases for 

 several days. It is less toxic than cocaine and is said to be stable in 

 solution. Some authorities claim that it dilates the vessels at the 

 point of application. 



Holocaine Hydrochloride (phenetidylacetphenetidin hydro- 

 chloride) occurs as a white, odorless, bitter powder, soluble in 50 parts 

 of water and freely so in alcohol. This anesthetic is especially useful 

 upon the eye. It paralyzes the sensory nerves more powerfully than 

 cocaine and does not produce any necrosis. It is used in from % to 

 1 per cent, solution and may be sterilized by boiling, but does not in- 

 fluence the blood vessels. Anesthesia is produced very rapidly but is 

 not lasting (produced in about one-half minute and lasts for 5 to 10 

 minutes). It is extremely sensitive to alkalies, hence its solutions 

 should be made in porcelain capsules and kept in porcelain containers 

 or in bottles that have been previously treated with hydrochloric or 

 sulphuric acid (to remove the alkali present in the glass as far as 

 possible) and thoroughly rinsed in distilled water; only distilled 

 water should be used in making soltitions. 



Tropacocaine is obtained from the small Java Coca leaves. It 

 resembles cocaine in its actions but is must less toxic and does not 

 constrict the blood vessels when applied to mucous membranes or 

 dilate the pupils. Its only advantages over cocaine are that it is less 

 toxic and its solutions may be boiled. 



Orthoform (the methyl ester of meta-amido-para-oxybenzoic 

 acid) occurs as a white, bulky, odorless, tasteless powder, slightly 

 soluble in water, soluble in 6 parts of alcohol, and 50 parts of ether ; 

 it dissolves readily also in collodion. It has the same action on the 

 sensory nerves as cocaine but on account of its slight solubility and 

 rapid excretion, toxic effects are not easily produced. On the other 

 hand, if rendered soluble it is no less toxic than cocaine. It is pre- 

 scribed as a local anesthetic and antiseptic in painful wounds, with 

 caustics to relieve the pain, etc., in 5 to 20 per cent, ointments, paints, 

 dusting powders or alone. Orthoform must be protected from the 

 light, is incompatible with antipyrine, bismuth subnitrate, mercuric 

 chloride, silver nitrate, zinc chloride and potassium permanganate. 



Anesthesin (para-amidobenzoic acid ethyl ester) occurs as a 

 white, odorless, tasteless powder, sparingly soluble in water, but 

 readily soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, fats or oils. This 

 preparation has been recommended to take the place of orthoform, as 

 it is claimed to be stronger and less irritant. According to some 

 authorities, however, it is more toxic and consequently more liable to 

 produce systemic effects from its application. Its hydrochloride is 

 soluble and may be used for subcutaneous anesthesia like cocaine. 



