4.74. GERMICIDES — DISINFECTANTS 



Wounds. Almost any of the antiseptics or disinfectants. 



Respiratory Tract. For inhalation volatile oils, turpentine, 

 eucalyptol, camphor, creosote, guaiacol. 



For use after absorption on account of elimination through the 

 respiratory mucous membrane, the same agents per os. 



Gastro-Intestinal. For action upon the stomach the following 

 may be used : phenolsulphonates, creosote, phenol, salicylic acid, cre- 

 olin, turpentine and other volatile oils. For action upon the in- 

 testines it is necessary for the drug to pass through the stomach 

 unchanged. Sometimes agents are given for this action in keratin or 

 salol coated pills. The best examples of intestinal antiseptics are 

 salol, aspirin, naphtholin, betanaphthol and ichthyol. 



Urinary Tract. These agents are to be given per mouth and 

 on account of their elimination through the urine vcill inhibit or re- 

 tard the grov^th of bacteria in the passage. Principal ones are: 

 urotropin, salicylic acid, and its compounds, and the volatile oils 

 of copaiba, cubebs, sandalwood and turpentine. 



For Surgical Supplies. 



Dry superheated steam is the best for instruments and dressings. 

 The next best is dry heat. Instruments may be boiled or placed in 

 a solution of disinfectant. Repeated boiling spoils the temper of 

 cutting instruments so that it is better to place them in a strong 

 disinfectant. Catgut is sterilized by boiling in cumol which has 

 a higher boiling point than water. 



