Origin. - A mixture of phenols and phenol derivatives, chiefly guaiacol and creosol, obtained during the distillation of wood-tar, preferably that derived from the Fagus silvatica L. or Fagus ferruginea Ait. beech.

Description and 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 light. Soluble in about 150 parts of water, but without forming a perfectly clear solution. With 120 parts of hot water it forms a clear liquid which on cooling becomes turbid, from the separation of minute oily drops. Soluble in all proportions in absolute alcohol, in ether, chloroform, benzin, carbon disulphide, acetic acid, and in fixed and volatile oils. Creosote is inflammable, burning with a luminous, smoky flame. It is neutral, or only faintly acid, to litmus-paper.

Dose. - 1-5 minims (0.06-0.3 Cc.) [3 minims (0.2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Aqua Creosoti - Aquae Creosoti - Creosote Water. - Dose, 1-4 fluidrams (4.0-15.0 Cc.) [2 drams (8 Cc), U. S. P.].

Incompatibles. - Strong sulphuric and nitric acids. It reduces silver salts, and explodes when combined with oxide of silver.

Synergists. - The same as for carbolic acid.

Physiological Action. - Externally. - It has an action similar to phenol.

Internally. - Its action upon the digestive, circulatory, nervous, and respiratory systems is practically the same as that of carbolic acid.

It does not stimulate the spinal cord so much as carbolic acid, and differs also from the latter drug in increasing the coagulability of the blood. Poisonous doses act like those of carbolic acid, but with more marked nervous symptoms.

Absorption and Elimination. - It is eliminated by the bronchial mucous membrane, and by the kidneys as guaiacol sulphate and creosol sulphate of potassium.

It is a stimulant expectorant.

It has the property when applied to meat of preserving it, whence its name (creas, flesh, sohzote, preserve).

Poisoning. - The symptoms and treatment of poisoning from creosote are the same as described under Carbolic Acid.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - Creosote is superior to carbolic acid as an antipruritic, although not so generally used as the latter, on account of its acrid and penetrating odor. It can be used externally for the same purposes as carbolic acid. It is a valuable hemostatic, and the creosote water may be used for this purpose.

Inhalations of creosote are recommended in phthisis, chronic bronchitis, and chronic congestion of the larynx and trachea. It is a powerful local anesthetic, and is largely used by dentists and the laity for aching teeth. It is used to preserve dead animal matter for dissection, etc.

Internally. - Creosote can be used internally for the same purposes as carbolic acid, having the advantage over the latter drug in being one of the most efficient remedies in pulmonary tuberculosis. Probably no one remedy exerts so favorable an action upon the night sweats, cough, and expectoration as creosote, or guaiacol, which is preferred by many physicians. It is of less value in cases accompanied by high temperature and hemoptysis, and often aggravates these symptoms.

It must be remembered that many of the cases alleged to have been cured by creosote have been treated with cod-liver oil, tonics, and hygienic methods as well. Creosote undoubtedly limits the amount of secondary infections in phthisis and it is also stomachic. Many patients do badly with creosote and eminent phthisiologists deprecate its use.

Contraindications. - The same as for carbolic acid.

Administration. - Pure beechwood creosote alone should be used. It may be given in the form of creosote water, emulsion, or pills, or in capsules mixed with cod-liver oil. Capsules are the least offensive way of administration. Some persons prefer to take the drug in milk.

In the treatment of phthisis large doses are necessary. A tolerance can usually be established by gradually increasing doses. If the patient manifest any untoward symptoms, the drug must be reduced in quantity or discontinued altogether.