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192 DENTAL MEDICINE.

tity is absorbed, the alkalinity of the blood is reduced, the red
corpuscles destroyed, the hemoglobin liberated and appearing in
the urine, which is changed to a dark-brown color. It increases
the quantity of uric acid and urea present in the urine. Large
doses may cause diastolic arrest of the heart, preceded by motor
and sensory paralysis. Small doses increase the action of the
skin and kidneys. The blood-pressure at first increases, but
soon falls, and the heart's action becomes slower. It is contrain-
dicated in large doses in the low fevers, owing to its action on
the blood cells. It is eliminated by the kidneys. Belonging to
the aromatic series of antipyretics, derived from coal tar, it pos-
sesses advantages over all the others from the same source. In
some cases toxic effects, ascribed to impurity, or peculiar suscep-
tibility to its action, have resulted from its administration ; cyan-
osis and collapse also have occurred, as well as vomiting and
profuse perspiration. Such ill effects from acetanilide must be
counteracted by the application of external heat, vigorous alco-
holic stimulation, with hypodermic use of ether, atropine, and
strychnine, in order to support the respiration and circulation.
Acetanilide is much used for headache, neuralgia, rheumatism,
facial neuralgia, locomotor ataxia, sciatica; in acute inflammatory
rheumatism it reduces the temperature, relieves the pain and
swelling. It is also used in croupous pneumonia, scarlatina and
other febrile affections of children.
It relieves any tendency to nausea and vomiting, and is usually
tolerated by a weak stomach. On account of its diuretic action
acetanilide is especially harmless in kidney affections. Antidotes,
—emetics and stimulants.
Dose.—The dose varies from grs. ijss, repeated every hour, to
it may be given in the form of
grs. X every three or four hours ;
pill, powder or tablet triturate. Its prolonged use causes it to
lose its effect ; but its action is renewed if the drug is withheld
for 24 or 48 hours.
Dental Uses.—Acetanilide is employed in dental practice for
facial neuralgia, pulpitis; internally administered in connection
with the application of the devitalizing mixture to relieve the
pain of the latter, in doses of two and one-half grains, repeated