PAINFUL DISORDERS. — For the relief mf pain and pruritus. menthol is an cieLt rcm«ly applied in the form of a inn( nr pencil, in alcoholic solution, or ..intment. One drachm of menthol di:,7.0lved in 1- ounces of soap l.r.;mint for external use,. The pain itchin.:-.7 of herpe, znster and urticaria may be relieved by a oint ment cif menthol.
A 3- or even a 6-per-cent. solution in spirit fi und more effective in pruritus than borio or qalicylic acid. An ointinent r f it made with lanolin is very useful in Truritus sAnilis. Saalfeld (Viertel. f. Derm. u. Sypb., IL 1, '88).
Neje acid reeommemled as a useful =elvent of menthol. Two hundred grains r f the latter may be dissolved in 1/2 fluid ource of the acid, and the combination f6rrus a valuable remedy in pruritic affec tirnr, Remington (Amer. Praet. and News, Mar. 13, '681.
Menthol given internally with success in migraine and other painful disorders, the dose being 5 to 20 grains, three times a day. It may be administered in cap sules, or, better, in a 20-per-cent. alcoholic solution in a wineglass of hot water. Dana (Med. Record, Sept. 29, '88).
Following prescription to be used for the internal administration of menthol in hernicrania, infra-orbital neuralgia, eephalalgia, rheumatism, and in sciatica.
The dose varies from 4 to 15 grains:— 1:1 Menthol, 2 drachms.
Alcohol, 1 ounce.
Glycerin, 1 ounce.
Syrup, 1 ounce.
M. Sig.: One teaspoonful in warm water when required. McLaury (St. Louis Polyclinic, June, '89).
Menthol used with success in all pru riginous affections of the skin, especially when aggravated by scratching, as in urticaria, some varieties of eczema, and scabies. It may be prescribed in a 5-per cent. alcoholic solution, a 10-per-cent. oily solution, ointments of 1 to 6 per cent., and powders of 2 to 6 per cent. Care must be taken not to apply too-concen trated solutions to the irritated surfaces or the mucous membranes, as a very intense sensation of burning may be caused; and also not to make too ex tensive applications at once, on account of the disagreeable sensation of cold. As the itching is but a symptom of the dis ease. it is necessary to prescribe for the latter, as the nienthol relieves only the itching. Colombini (Wiener med. Presse, May 7, '93).