Natrium cacodylicum
Sodium cacodylate (sodium dimethylarsinate) · Human-made/chemical
Natrium Cacodylicum is an arsenic-containing compound whose homeopathic indications are derived from poisoning cases in tuberculosis patients. The picture includes severe mucous membrane inflammation, peripheral neuritis, and paralytic conditions. It has been considered in phthisis, providing an arsenic-like action through its organic arsenic content.
Key symptoms
- Constant vomiting as principal poisoning symptom
- Tongue like raw beef from intense inflammation
- Conjunctivae inflamed with oedematous eyelids
- Breath of gangrenous odour appearing on second day
- Peripheral neuritis with wrist-drop
- Paralysis of left leg
- Sudden onset of severe symptoms after repeated doses
Cacodylate of Soda. (CH3)2,AsONa. Trituration. Solution.
Clinical
Phthisis.
Characteristics
Cacodyl (which signifies evil-smelling) is, like Cyanogen, a compound radicle, having the formula As(CH3)2. It was first obtained by Bunsen in 1837 as dicacodyl, As2(CH3)4. It is a clear liquid refracting light strongly, heavier than water, of insupportably offensive smell, its vapour being highly poisonous. Cacodylic acid, (CH3)2 AsOOH, is a crystalline arsenic compound, soluble in water, odourless, and though containing 54.4 per cent. of metallic arsenic, not an active poison. This acid (and more particularly its sodium salt) has been used on the recommendation of Armand Gautier, Professor of Chemistry at the Faculty of Medicine of Paris, as a "cure" for consumption; the non-poisonous nature of this salt enables the patients to take it in large doses. But it is not always harmless. Murrell (Med. Press, December 19, 1900) gave it in pill of one grain three times a day to a young woman, 2l. Poisoning symptoms set …
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