Latin, Spiritus Aetheris Nitrosi (Gen., Spiritus Aetheris Nitrosi)

Eng., Spirit of Nitrous Ether. Synonym, Sweet Spirit of Nitre. Contains about 4 per cent. of Ethyl Nitrite.

Form

A clear, yellowish liquid.

Odor And Taste

Fragrant ethereal odor and burning taste.

Solubility

Miscible with water and alcohol in all proportions.

Incompatibles

Acacia, acetanilide, acetphenetidin, antipyrine, carbonates, iodides, tannic acid, ferrous sulphate, fluidextract of buchu, tincture of guaiac, etc.

Average Dose

30 minims (2 mils).

Official Preparation. Spirit of Nitrous Ether is contained in Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita.

Therapeutic Action

Recommended as a diuretic, diaphoretic, antipyretic.

Uses

Used in the treatment of retention of urine, renal colic, gonorrhea, etc.; also in the early stages of bronchitis, colds, etc., particularly in children.

Administration

Spirit of Nitrous Ether is prescribed alone or with other agents.

Prescribed alone, as in acute retention of urine, renal colic, etc.:

Sig

Teaspoonful in hot lemonade every two hours until relieved. In a diuretic combination, as in the treatment of renal colic, cystitis, gonorrhea, retention of urine, etc.:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in glass of water every four hours.

Used as an antipyretic in the acute diseases of childhood:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful every two hours.

1 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

In the treatment of ascites:

M.

Sig

Two (2) teaspoonfuls every six hours.

In the treatment of bronchitis, cough, etc. (for child 4 years old):

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every two hours.

This amount of ipecac may produce nausea in some patients.