Antifebrinum
Acetanilide · Human-made/chemical
Antifebrinum is indicated for patients with severe collapse, cyanosis, and respiratory distress arising from use of coal-tar fever medicines. The peculiar sensation of the head enormously enlarged and the desperate respiratory efforts with compulsive clenching of the hands are distinctive features of this remedy.
Key symptoms
- Sensation that the head is so large it seems to fill the whole room
- Respiration most difficult as in a bad attack of asthma
- Cyanosis with collapse
- Palpitation and cardiac weakness
- Thrombosis of lower extremities
- Feeling as if the diaphragm has ceased working
Acetanilid (formed from aniline). CH3 CO NH C6 H5. Exalgine is a derivative from this, Methylacetanilid, and has almost identical action. Solution and trituration.
Clinical
Asthma. Cyanosis. Fainting. Head, enlarged sensation. Palpitation. Thrombosis.
Characteristics
Given as remedies for migraine and in order to reduce fever, Antifeb. and Exalg. have produced symptoms of collapse and cyanosis, in some instances fatal, with great rapidity. One patient experienced from Exalgine a sensation that his head was so large that it seemed to occupy the whole room. Respiration was most difficult as in a bad attack of asthma, he seized and clenched the hands of those around him. He was not an asthmatic subject. He felt as if the diaphragm had ceased working and he must go on breathing on his own account at any cost. Several cases of thrombosis of the lower extremities from heart weakness have followed its use.
Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.
