Eng., Phenyl Salicylate. Synonym, Salol. Formula, C13H10O3.

Form

A white crystalline powder.

Odor And Taste

A faint aromatic odor and a slight but characteristic taste.

Solubility

In 6670 parts of water or 6 parts of alcohol. Very soluble in ether, chloroform or oils.

Incompatibles

Liquefies when triturated with camphor, phenol, hydrated chloral, thymol. Also general incompatibles of other salicylates.

Average Dose

5 grains (0.3 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Antirheumatic, intestinal antiseptic, anthelmintic, analgesic, antipyretic.

Uses

Extensively employed as an intestinal antiseptic in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid fever, etc., and intestinal parasites. Recommended in the treatment of gonorrhea, cystitis, and other genito-urinary conditions. Sometimes employed where salicylates are indicated, as for rheumatism, tonsillitis, etc.

Administration

Phenyl Salicylate is often prescribed alone in capsules, but this is rather undesirable, as it is so nearly insoluble that concretions of the drug might result after the gelatin of the capsule has been dissolved. A thoroughly agreeable way of administering is in powders, as the drug is so nearly odorless and tasteless. As it is readily soluble in oils it may be dissolved in olive oil and taken that way or the oil made into an emulsion. The drug must be given with some caution on account of the Phenol content.

When given alone Phenyl Salicylate is best given in powders, as:

Ft. cht. no. xij.

Sig

One every four hours.

Or it may be ordered in suspension, as:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful every four hours. (Shake-label.)

Used in the treatment of influenza

M. ft. cap. no. xv.

Sig

One every three hours.

In the treatment of the diarrhea of typhoid fever:

M. ft. cht. no. x.

Sig

One after each stool.

Used for the relief of abdominal tympany:

M. ft. cap. no. x.

Sig

One two hours after each meal.

In the treatment of coryza:

M. ft. cht. no. xij.

Sig

One every two hours.

Phenyl Salicylate is frequently ordered as the coating for enteric pills, as in the treatment of amebic dysentery when both the ipecac and the salt are desired:

M. ft. pil. ent. no. l. Sig.-Take as directed.

Detailed written instructions should be left with the patient. About 3 to 4 grains of the salt is usually employed for each pill.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment. 2 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

3 Ash ton: Practice of Gynecology.

4 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

When 10 or more pills are given at one time it necessitates a fairly large dose of the drug, but no ill effects seem to have been noted.