LIQUOR HYDROGENII DIOXIDE 463 



of cyanosis, dyspnea and circulatory failure. It is also used in 

 nitrous oxide anesthesia. 



Administration. In parturient paresis oxygen is used to in- 

 flate the udder. For action upon the circulatory and respiratory 

 systems, the gas is conducted to a mask or tent held over the face or 

 through a tube in the nose and administered by inhalation. 



LIQUOR HYDROGENII DIOXIDI 



Synonym. Hydrogen Peroxide. H^ Og. 



This is a slightly acid aqueous solution of hydrogen dioxide con- 

 taining 3 per cent, of the gas by weight and capable of yielding 10 

 times its volume of oxygen. It is a colorless, odorless liquid, of. 

 slightly acidulous taste and produces foam in the mouth, and, on 

 contact with blood, pus and organic material. It is liable to de- 

 teriorate with age, exposure to heat and prolonged agitation. If 

 the stopper of the bottle is coated with paraffin or is replaced by a 

 plug of cotton the deterioration is delaj^ed. 



Doses. H. S j— ij ; 30.— 60. D. 3 j— ij ; 4.-8. 



Hydrogen dioxide is a very powerful, nontoxic, nonirritating 

 antiseptic on account of its readily giving up oxygen when brought 

 into contact with the fluids of the body or pus. When applied to a 

 suppurating wound it effervesces, causing foaming by the liberation 

 of oxygen, the pus is discharged, leaving the wound very clean and 

 protected by a delicate coagulum. There is no effect from its use 

 internally because it is readily converted into oxygen and water in 

 the stomach. Subcutaneously or intravenously it may cause sudden 

 death by gas emboli in the blood. This may also follow its use 

 in serous cavities. A 20 per cent, solution of the official prepara- 

 tion is fatal to most pus organisms and other non-spore bearing ones. 

 Its chief disadvantages are its brief action and liability to deteriora- 

 tion while its advantages are freedom from odor, irritation and 

 toxicity. 



Uses. It is particularly valuable in the preliminary treat- 

 ment of septic wounds, abscess cavities, and fistulous tracts where 

 it acts not only as a disinfectant but also mechanically removes 

 exudates, blood clots, etc. It is either used in the official solution or 

 diluted from 1 ; 1- — 3. It should not be injected into deep cavities 

 unless there is free exit as the additional pressure may cause serious 

 results. Furthermore it should not be injected into large serous 

 cavities (peritoneal or pleural). It is a very valuable wash for 

 stomatitis, pharyngitis, etc., for which it should be diluted with 

 two to three parts of water. 



