Latin, Acidum Salicylicum (Gen., Acidi Salicylici)

Eng., Salicylic Acid. Formula, HC7H5O3.

Form

Fine, white needles or crystalline powder.

Odor And Taste

Almost odorless and having a sweetish, afterward acrid taste.

Incompatibles

Spirit of nitrous ether, lead and iron salts, iodides, etc.

Average Dose

12 grains (0.75 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Antiseptic, germicide, antirheumatic, antipyretic.

Uses

Sometimes employed internally in the treatment of rheumatism. Locally-used for the removal of corns, etc.; also to remove the superficial layers of the skin and in the treatment of various skin diseases, as eczema, dermatitis, pruritus, and prickly heat. It is a common constituent of powders for dressing the cord stump of the newborn.

Administration

Internally.-Salicylic Acid is now not often prescribed in this way, but effect is obtained by use of salicylates. When the acid is given as such it is usually ordered in capsules of 5 grains each. It is often prescribed with sodium bicarbonate to make fresh sodium salicylate. (See p. 37.)

Externally

Salicylic Acid is used in solution, powder and ointment:

In the treatment of corns:

M.

Sig

Apply as directed.

In the treatment of diabetic vulvitis:

M. tere bene. Sig.-Use locally.

As a dressing for the stump of the cord in obstetrical work

M. et tere bene.

Sig

For dressing umbilicus.

This is usually applied freely when cord is first dressed and is not removed until the stump of the cord separates.

1 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

In the treatment of psoriasis:

M.

Sig

Paint on affected parts.

As a dusting powder, as in the treatment of prickly heat:

M.

Sig

Apply as directed.

This is best applied by putting in a cloth bag and patting the affected parts with it, particularly after bathing.

As a dusting powder in the treatment of hyperidrosis:

M.

Sig

Apply as directed.

In an ointment, as in the treatment of dermatitis from drugs, poison ivy, etc.:

M.

Sig

Apply freely as directed.

1 Stelwagon: Diseases of the Skin.

2 Ibid.

Official Salicylates.

Incompatibles Of Salicylates

Hydrobromic acid, mineral acids, ferric salts, lead acetate, lime-water, quinine salts (in solution), spirit of nitrous ether, silver nitrate (in solution), sodium phosphate (in powder).