A liquid containing about 80 per cent of amyl nitrite, together with variable quantities of undetermined compounds.

Derivation.—Obtained through distillation of nitric and amylic alcohol. Distillate purified by sodium carbonate.

Properties.—A clear, yellow or pale yellow liquid, oily, very volatile, peculiar and very diffusive ethereal odor and a pungent aromatic taste. Insoluble in water, but soluble in all proportions in alcohol, ether and chloroform.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, ¹/₂ to 1 dr.; sheep and pigs, 5 to 15 ms.; dogs, 2 to 5 ms.; amyl nitrite is very seldom given internally; hypodermically, one-half this dose. By inhalation, same as given internally. It should be fresh as it rapidly deteriorates.

Actions.—It stimulates the heart’s action, greatly dilates the arterioles by paralyzing their muscular coats; causes a sense of fullness in the brain with vertigo, fall of blood pressure due to dilation of the arterioles, lowering of temperature; when the vapor is applied direct to muscular or nerve tissues it suspends or completely arrests its functional activity; it depresses the nervous system and unstriped muscular fiber. Overdoses cause death by respiratory failure.

Uses.—Epileptic attacks may be warded off by its being inhaled; spasmodic asthma, used either internally, hypodermically or best by inhalation; in strychnine poisoning, angina pectoris in tetanus, and as a heart stimulant. It is useful as an inhalation in bringing about recovery from deep chloroform and anesthesia.