CEEOSOTE 333 



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



Synonym. — Kreosotum, P.G. ; kreosote, Tr. ; kreosot, G. 



Derivation. — A mixture of phenols and phenol deriva- 

 tives, chiefly guaiacol and creosol, obtained during the dis- 

 tillation of wood tar, preferably of that derived from the 

 beech, Fagus sylvatiea Linne. (Nat. ord. cupuliferse.) 



Properties. — 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 al- 

 cohol, ether, chloroform, acetic acid, fixed and volatile oils. 



Dose.—H., Ttlxv.-xxx. (1.-2.); C, 3 ss.-i. (2.-4.); Sh. 

 and Sw., 1TLv.-xv. (.3-1.) ; J)., ITLss.-ii. (.03-.12). 



Action and Uses. — The action of creosote upon animals 

 is practically the same as that of carbolic acid in kind, but 

 is much less toxic. The antidotes (soluble sulphates) 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 ap- 

 plied in the same strength for its local antiseptic, parasit- 

 icide, and local anaasthetie action. Internally, creosote is 

 administered, as is carbolic acid, to check vomiting and to act 

 as an intestinal antiseptic* Outside of the body, creosote 

 is employed in inhalation in inflammatory diseases of the 

 upper portion of the respiratory tract, and to kill parasites 

 in the air passages. Intratracheal injection may be substi- 

 tuted for inhalation in the latter condition. Given internally 

 in wine or spirit, creosote is of value in bronchitis with fetid 

 or excessive secretion, in addition to its use by inhalation. 



Ceeolinum. Creolin. (Non-oiEcial.) 



Derivation. — Obtained from soft coal by dry distilla- 

 tion. Composition very complex. Is said to contain cresol 

 and higher homologues of phenol. 



* And in its elimination by the bronchial mucosa it may kill filaria. 

 Neumann advises creosote (S"-). benzine (3x.), and water (2qts.) ; of 

 the mixture for sheep, 1 teaspoonful daily, by the mouth, for 8 days 

 for verminous bronchitis. 



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