Pharyngitis and Laryngitis. — In pharyngitis this medicament favorably modifies the pain, dysphagia, and in flammation of the pharynx, and often cures the affection in two or three days.
In such cases it may be given in doses of 1 drachm to children, and 3 drachms to adults, in the course of the day.
In laryngitis it is good expectorant when administered at the beginning of the disease. Liegeois (Med. Press and Circular, Aug. 24, '92).
Grarel.—In uric-acid gravel salicylate of sodium, as does benzoic acid, changes the insoluble orates into soluble hip purates, and thus eliminates the acid from the urine.
In the treatment of Bright's disease, and as a cholagogue, this drug has been found of much service.
BENZOIN.—Benzoin is a gum or bal samic resin, the concrete juice of the Styrax benzoin: a large tree, native of Peru. it appears in lumps, agglutinated together, yellowish brown in color, with a milk-white interior. Benzoin has an agreeable balsamic odor, and a slight aromatic taste. It is easily pulverized, the process being apt to excite sneezing. It is almost wholly soluble in five parts of moderately warm alcohol and in solu tions of the fixed alkalies. Its chief constituents are resin and benzoic acid.
Dose.—Benzoinated lard (U. S. P.), 2 per cent., is used as the basis for benzoin ointments; tincture of benzoin, 10 to 40 minims; compound tincture of benzoin, 15 minims to 1 drachm.
Physiological Action. — Benzoin pos sesses antiseptic properties, and the added stimulating effect upon mucous membranes explains its value in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract. It is used principally in phar macy for the preparation of benzoic acid.
Therapeutics.—Benzoin was formerly employed as an expectorant in pectoral affections, but has fallen into disuse. In the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, however, it has main tained a well-deserved reputation.
Acute Laryngitis. — in this disease rapid results are attained by the use of inhalations of the steam of a pint of hot water, containing 2 drachms of the tinct ure of benzoin, provided the patient is given at the same time 5 grains of the benzoate of sodium every two hours.
The hot solution of benzoin is placed in a previously warmed vessel and, the latter being covered with a towel folded into a cone, the patient inhales through the upper opening of the latter. (Sajous.) Anal Fissure.—The tincture of ben zoin is being strongly recommended in anal fissure. It is used to paint over abrasions and excoriations in order to protect the surface.
Chapped Hands and Fissured Nipples. —When in cold weather or through the use of hard water, the hands become chapped and fissured, a mixture of the compound tincture of benzoin and glyc erin, equal parts, is of great service. The same preparation is advantageous in fissured nipples.
Abrasions, Chilblains, Wounds, Bed sores, and Granulating Surfaces.—Owing to its antiseptic virtues, its stimulating properties, and the fact that it protects the parts over which it is painted with a thin film, the compound tincture, painted over any of the above local dis orders, is productive of much good.
Eczema, Pityriasis, Urticaria, and Frost-bite. — The tincture of benzoin, 2 drachms; glycerin, 2 drachms; and rose water, 4 ounces, used as a lotion may be applied with advantage to either of the above skin disorders. In frost-bite, how ever, the compound tincture, applied locally, is more effective.
Tincture of benzoin useful in scabies. In two cases the itching ceased, and the eruptions began to disappear after the first application, and the patients were finally cured. Vladimir de Holstein (Jour. des Mel. Culan. et Syph., Apr., '97).
Liquid benzoin for benzoinating lard may he made by macerating for twelve hours benzoin, 20, in ether, 40; it is fil tered and castor-oil, 15, is dissolved in the filtrate, from which the ether is care fully distilled. This oily product con tains the benzoic acid and the volatile principles. To make benzoinated lard. white wax, 20, is melted by steam heat with dehydrated lard, 965, to eliminate water; the above liquid, 15, is added and the mixture stirred until cold. In warm weather a large amount of wax should be used. R. M. Shoemaker (Amer. Jour. of Pharmacy, No. 1, p. 9, '9S).