Amyl Nitrite

Amyl Nitrite, a valuable drug obtained from amyl alcohol. When inhaled it reduces blood-pressure, producing flushing of the face, throbbing of the arteries of the neck, a sense of fulness in the head, with giddiness, and increase in the pulse rate. Its chief use is in cases of angina pectoris, in attacks of which disease it affords almost instantaneous relief. It is often prescribed in the form of glass capsules, each containing a few drops of the drug. These are crushed in a handkerchief and inhaled by the patient when the seizure occurs.