Naphthol

NAFTHOL, Naphtholum, monoxynaphthalene, C₁₀H₇OH, exists in the form of two isomers, alpha and beta, differing in the position of the hydroxyl group in the molecule: alpha-Naphtholum, beta-Naphtholum. They possess strong antiseptic and parasitotropic properties, more pronounced in alpha-N., which is generally considered more poisonous than beta-N., although some researchers disagree with this (Maximovitch, Cuschny). N. is absorbed through the skin, irritating it and even causing inflammation if it acts in a solution of high concentration. The locally irritating action of N. on all mucous membranes—conjunctiva, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract—is even more pronounced; it manifests as tearing, coughing, increased secretion of bronchial mucus, and diarrhea. Excreted through the kidneys, N. has the same effect on them and can cause acute nephritis with the appearance of protein and blood in the urine; simultaneously, the urinary tract is also affected, which manifests as pain in the bladder and urethra with difficulty urination. Such an effect of N. can occur even with its external application. In its poisonous effect on the central nervous system, N. is similar to phenol, but the convulsive effect of N. is weaker: in acute poisoning of animals with N., first increased and more frequent breathing, muscle twitching, rarely convulsions, then a comatose state, fading of reflexes and cessation of breathing are observed. Absorbed N. can cause eye damage, quite similar to that observed in naphthalene poisoning (see). Naphthol is excreted from the body in combination with glucuronic acid and partly with sulfuric acids, and these compounds with their oxidation products (dioxynaphthalenes) color the urine red-brown, darkening when the urine stands.

Preparations. Beta ($)-naphthol (see) (also used as an anthelmintic). Alpha-naphthol, a-Naphtholum, colorless crystals or white powder, sparingly soluble in water, easily soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether; used similarly to beta-N., but less frequently. Alfol, Alpholum, a-Naphtholum salicylicum, the ester of alpha-naphthol and salicylic acid, a white crystalline powder, insoluble in water, easily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, fatty oils; used internally for gonorrhea and gonorrheal cystitis in doses of 0.5-1.0. Betolum, Naphthosalolum, Naphthalolum, the ester of beta-naphthol and salicylic acid, a white crystalline powder, almost insoluble in water, easily soluble in hot alcohol, ether, benzene; used externally in the form of bougies with cocoa butter (1:4) for gonorrhea; used internally in doses of 0.3-0.5 several times a day for gonorrheal cystitis. Naphthoxolum, contains 2% N., 3% hydrogen peroxide and 38% alcohol; used externally for infected wounds as an antiseptic and deodorant. Naphthol-eucalyptol, Eunolum, a product of fusing N. with eucalyptol, has a strong aromatic odor; used externally as an antiseptic for wounds and in parasitic skin diseases. Microcidinum, Natrium beta-naphtholicum, a white powder that turns red under the influence of light and air; used externally in aqueous solution (0.5:100.0) as an antiseptic for infected wounds. Lactolum, the ester of naphthol and lactic acid, an intestinal disinfectant; used internally in doses of 0.3-1.0 per day. Naphtholum camphoratum; contains 1 part naphthol and 2 parts camphor; used externally for scabies and furunculosis. Orhoolum, Bismuthum beta-naphtholicum, beta-naphthol-bismuth, contains 26% N. and 74% bismuth; a dark gray powder almost without taste or odor, insoluble in water and alcohol. Intestinal disinfectant. Used internally for diarrhea, fermentation in the intestines, intestinal tuberculosis, etc., in doses of 0.5-1.0 three to five times a day for adults, 0.05-0.3 twice a day for children.