Latin, Aether (Gen., Aetheris)

Eng., Ether. Synonyms, Sulphuric Ether; Ethyl Ether. Formula (C2H5)20.

Form

A colorless liquid.

Odor And Taste

Characteristic odor and a burning and sweetish taste.

Solubility

In about 12 volumes of water. Miscible in all proportions with alcohol.

Average Dose

15 minims (1 mil).

Official Preparation.

Spiritus .Aetheris (Gen., Spiritus Aethens)

Eng., Spirit of Ether. Synonyms, Hoffmann's Anodyne, Hoffmann's Drop. Ether, 325 mils; Alcohol, to 1000 mils. Average Dose.-1 fluidrachm (4 mils).

Formerly there were two spirits of ether, the above and another known as the Compound Spirit of Ether, which contained, in addition to 32.5 per cent. of Ether, 2.5 per cent. of Ethereal Oil. It was this latter preparation which was known as Hoffmann's Anodyne.

Therapeutic Action

Anesthetic; also variously classed as a stimulant, sedative, anodyne, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, anthelmintic. It should be remembered that the Spirit of Ether is a habit-forming drug.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment. 2 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

Uses

Extensively employed by inhalation for general anaesthesia. By needle it is recommended in shock, poisoning by certain narcotics, etc By mouth the spirit is used in the treatment of acute indigestion, flatulence, hysteria and abdominal cramps of intestinal origin. Locally it is used for cleaning the skin and sometimes as a spray for local anesthesia.

Administration

Ether is seldom prescribed as such. The Spirit of Ether is the preparation of common choice, and is either prescribed alone or with other agents.

In the treatment of acute indigestion, particularly in hysterical patients:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every two hours if necessary.

Used in the treatment of acute indigestion:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful well diluted every fifteen minutes until relieved.

In the treatment of flatulence, hysteria, etc.:

M

Sig

Two (2) teaspoonfuls in water. Repeat when necessary. (Shake-label.)

In the treatment of psoriasis:

M.

Sig

Paint on affected parts.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

2 Shoemaker: Materia Medica and Therapeutics.

3 Stelwagon: Diseases of the Skin.