BROMIDE OF ETHYL.—Bromide of ethyl, or hydrobromic ether, is an anms thetic prepared by combining bromine with alcohol in the presence of phos phorus. It was discovered by Serullas, a French chemist, early in this century. It is an extremely volatile and colorless liquid, sweetish to the taste, and pos sessing an alliaceous odor. It presents the advantage over ether in not being inflammable. It is quickly eliminated from the system, and its after-effects are slight. Another preparation—bromide of ethylene—is frequently dispensed in stead of the bromide of ethyl; it causes nausea when inhaled, and in no way pos sesses the qualities of the latter. Bro mide of ethyl is, however, frequently found impure in the shops, and to this cause are due many of the untoward re sults met with.
Dose.—Bromide of ethyl cannot be used for prolonged operations, owing to its high volatility. The dose, which varies with the age of the patient, should not exceed 6 drachms, The administra tion of bromide of ethyl should not be prolonged beyond two minutes.
The operation may usually be begun twenty seconds after the first inhalation.
Physiological Action and Untoward Effects.—Bromide of ethyl causes death by arresting the heart's action, and the cases should be watched as if chloroform were being administered,—respiration and pulse simultaneously. The prelimi nary preparations for its administration are the same, and the recumbent posi tion obligatory under all circumstances. Arrest of the heart may be caused, how ever, through vasomotor influence origi nating in an intoxication by compounds formed in the system.
Therapeutics.—Bromide of ethyl—as it causes muscular rigidity—should not be used in operations in which relaxa tion of the muscles would be of assist ance. It also increases the chances of hemorrhage.