CAEBOLIO ACID 323 



Phenol crystals melt when heated, but solidify again on 

 cooling. A 95 per cent, solution of carbolic acid crystals, 

 in alcohol, remains fluid at the ordinary temperature. The 

 crystals are also liquified by the addition of about 8 per 

 cent, of water. 



Dose.— H. & C, gr.xv.-xxx. (1.-2.) ; Sh. & Sw., gr.v.-x. 

 <.3-.6); D., gr.ss.-i. (.03-.06). 



PREPARATIONS. 



Unguentum Acidi Carbolici. Ointment of Carbolic Acid. (B. P.) 

 Unguentum Phenolis. (U. S. P.) 

 Phenol, 3 ; ointment, 97 (U. S. P.) ; 4 per cent., B. P. 



Glyceritum Acidi Carbolici. Glycerite of Carbolic Acid. (B. P.) 

 Glyceritum Phenolis. (XJ. S. P.) 

 Phenol, 20 ; glycerin, 80. 



Addum Carbolicum Liquefaetum. Liquified Carbolic Acid. (B. P.) 

 Phenol lAquefaetum. (U. 8. P.) 

 Carbolic acid liquified by addition of 10 per cent, of water. 

 Dose. — Same as acidum carbolicum. 



Action External. — Carbolic acid causes burning pain 

 when applied to the skin or mucous membranes, and this 

 action is followed by local anaesthesia and the production of 

 a dry white spot. If used in sufficient quantity, it leads to 

 sloughing, but the escharotic effect is superficial, since the 

 acid coagulates albumin, which forms a protective coating 

 to the underlying parts. Carbolic acid is an antiseptic and 

 disinfectant, and, in proper solution, acts as a sedative upon 

 the peripheral sensory nerves, and is one of the most 

 efficient agents in relieving itching. It checks the growth 

 of both organized (bacteria) and unorganized (digestive) 

 ferments. Strong solutions (1-2 per cent.) kill most bacteria, 

 but a considerable time is required to destroy the organisms 

 of certain diseases and those relating to putrefaction. Some 

 hours are required to kill anthrax spores, by even a 6 per 

 cent, solution. Two per cent, solutions destroy the digestive 

 ferments. The lower forms of vegetable parasites, growing 

 Tipon the skin, perish by the application of carbolic acid. 



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