Hydrocyanic acid (hydrogen cyanide) usually has no medical use. It is sometimes prescribed in the form of laurel or bitter almond water. The drug is stored in filled and well-corked bottles in places protected from light.
In moderate doses, senic acid reduces the excitability of the spinal cord and brain, peripheral neuromuscular motor system and endings in the sensory nerves.
Laurel and bitter almond water is indicated for pathologies of the respiratory tract, accompanied by a cough. In this case, hydrocyanic acid is able to dull the excitability of the mucosa in the larynx and reduce irritation. Along with this, the substance reduces reflex activity in the respiratory center, which weakens the coughing fit.
In gastrointestinal tract pathologies, hydrocyanic acid can favorably affect peristalsis, both by a paralyzing effect and by dulling pain sensitivity.
The drug is prescribed relatively rarely.
Hydrocyanic acid is very toxic. Cyanide compounds, as a result of widespread use in industry and technology, are becoming readily available. Due to its quick action, often hydrocyanic acid is used in self-poisoning and poisoning. However, cases of intoxication were noted when the wounds came in contact with a solution of potassium cyanide, after eating bitter almonds. In addition, hydrocyanic acid accumulates in the seeds of apricot and cherry. Thus, intoxication occurs from the adoption of any products containing their seeds.
Hydrocyanic acid poisoning.
The severity of the damage to the body depends on the rate of entry and dosage of the poisonous substance. Severe poisoning can occur in two forms: protracted and apoplectic.
In the second case, the affected person screams, falls, losing consciousness. Then short-term clonic-tonic convulsions occur, after which tendon reflexes disappear and the muscles relax. The pupils begin to expand, cease to respond to light, the skin becomes pink or pale. After a few breaths, breathing stops, blood pressure drops sharply, the pulse becomes filiform, rare. Death occurs within the first three minutes from the moment of contact with hydrocyanic acid.
With a protracted form of the lesion, the stages of the initial state, shortness of breath, convulsions, coma are distinguished.
In the stage of initial phenomena, characteristic signs are: a smell of cherry pit (bitter almonds), slight irritation of the mucous membrane in the nasopharynx, and conjunctiva. Poisoned begins to feel numbness in the shell of the mouth, weakness, anxiety, pain in the heart region, palpitations, dizziness. Available for examination, the mucous membranes and the skin acquire a scarlet shade, breathing quickens and deepens, the pulse slows down (sometimes quickens) , blood pressure rises. A common symptom is vomiting. The coordination of movements is disturbed.
The stage of shortness of breath is characterized by an increase in the above symptoms. A sharp weakness appears, repeated urge to defecate. The scarlet coloration of the skin and mucous membranes becomes more pronounced. Breathing becomes rhythmic, quiet, somewhat quickened. Pathological phenomena in the lung area are not detected. Blood pressure rises, strains and slows the pulse. Pupils begin to expand, consciousness darkens, gait becomes shaky.
The convulsive stage is characterized by the unconscious position of the affected person. Breathing becomes deep and quickened. During attacks, the depth, frequency and rhythm of breathing are violated, the scarlet skin and mucous membranes become cyanotic. Cramps give way to muscle relaxation.
The coma stage is characterized by pallor or slight cyanosis of the skin, the muscles are relaxed, and there are no reflexes. Breathing becomes periodic, pronounced pathology in the lungs is not observed. As a result of respiratory arrest death occurs. After three to five minutes, the activity of the heart ceases.