Amylenhydrate
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Amylenhydrate is a colorless, oily, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor and burning taste, used as a hypnotic drug introduced in 1887. It has minimal effects on circulation and respiration at therapeutic doses, with rare toxicity cases, and may cause dizziness, headache, and loss of appetite upon awakening.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
AMYLENHYDRATE, (CH3)2C2H5.COH, di-methyl-ethyl-carbinol, tertiary amyl alcohol. A colorless, oily, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor, burning taste, and neutral reaction; dissolves in 8 parts water, mixes with alcohol and ether; boiling point 100-103°. Amylenhydrate was proposed in 1887 by Mering as a hypnotic. Sleep may occur within 15-20 minutes after administration. In therapeutic doses, it has little effect on circulation and respiration; the toxicity of amylenhydrate is low: fatal cases are extremely rare. Side effects: after awakening, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, and drowsiness are sometimes observed. It is prescribed as a hypnotic in doses of 2.0-3.0 in aqueous solutions, with coating agents or in gelatin capsules; not administered subcutaneously, as it locally produces irritation and even necrosis. Cases of habituation to amylenhydrate have been observed.
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“Amylenhydrate.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/amylenhydrate/