Erythritol Tetranitrate
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Erythritol tetranitrate is a crystalline compound, insoluble in cold water, used as a vasodilator for heart conditions and nephritis. It is a homolog of nitroglycerin with similar but slower and longer-lasting pharmacological effects.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
ERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE, tetranitrol, tetranitroerythritol, nitroerythritol ester C4H6(ONO2)4; colorless large crystals, insoluble in cold water; melting point 60°. Obtained from erythritol—a four-atom alcohol derived from Rocella lichens (Orseille). Homolog of nitroglycerin. Explosive, therefore is only released as a 1:60 alcoholic solution and in tablets of 0.003. Pharmacological action is the same as nitroglycerin, but onset is slower and duration longer. Used as a vasodilator in heart diseases (angina pectoris) and nephritis, 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day. Sometimes even in small doses causes severe flushing to the head and headache.
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“Erythritol Tetranitrate.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/erythritol-tetranitrate/