Ammonium bromatum

Ammonium bromatum is a chemical compound formed by the union of ammonium and bromine, with the formula NH₄Br. In pure form, it is a white crystalline salt, odourless, with a sharp saline taste, soluble in water and alcohol. Bromine compounds, especially the bromides, were historically used in orthodox medicine for their sedative, anticonvulsant, and nerve-calming effects, particularly in epilepsy and hysteria. The ammonium radical contributes stimulating and irritative properties, while bromine adds depressive and sedative qualities.

First clinical and toxicological observations were recorded in the late 19th century, largely by J.C. Burnett and contemporaries, with proving-like symptom collections derived from medicinal overuse of bromides [Allen, Clarke].

A remedy for slow, chronic catarrhal processes of the pharynx, larynx, and bronchi, often in those whose nervous system is dulled or sedated. It typifies the sluggish, thickened mucous membrane, the patient mentally blunted, physically heavy, and voice hoarse from chronic irritation.

• Throat – chronic inflammation of pharynx and larynx, granular pharyngitis.
• Respiratory mucosa – larynx, trachea, and bronchi with tendency to thick mucus.
• Nervous system – sedative effect on brain and spinal cord, reducing reflex excitability.
• Skin – pustular and acneiform eruptions from bromide action.
• Glands – enlargement and induration in chronic inflammatory states.
• Digestive mucosa – chronic gastritis and irritation from bromide absorption.

A sluggish, depressed mental state predominates, echoing the known bromide effects on the nervous system [Clarke]. There is mental dullness, inability to fix attention, and a sensation as if thought is impeded or slow. The patient may complain of a “cloud” or “fog” over the mind, with poor memory and reluctance to engage in conversation. At times, irritability is present when disturbed from rest. In prolonged states, a peculiar emotional flatness sets in – neither sadness nor joy fully expressed.

Sleepiness during the day; disturbed or unrefreshing sleep at night. Dreams often vague and unremembered.

Dreams of travelling or wandering without purpose; confused, with a sense of heaviness.

Acts deeply on mucous membranes of respiratory passages and pharynx, producing chronic catarrhal conditions. Sedative to nervous system with mental dulness.

Occasional chilliness on waking in the morning; heat of face in warm rooms.

Dull frontal headache, especially over the eyes, worse in the morning and on mental exertion. Occasional vertigo, worse on rising from bed or on quick head movement. A sensation of tightness around the forehead or occiput may occur.

Heavy eyelids, with desire to close them from nervous fatigue. Mild conjunctival irritation with occasional watering, especially in cold winds.

A feeling of fullness or dulled hearing during catarrhal attacks, sometimes with mild tinnitus described as a soft humming.

Nasal passages feel dry and irritated in the early morning, followed later by a thick, yellowish mucus. Occasional crust formation within nostrils.

Face pale and expressionless during chronic states, occasionally with a sallow or earthy tint. Acneiform eruptions may appear on cheeks and forehead in long-term bromide effects.

Dryness of mouth on waking, sometimes with a pasty taste. Tongue coated white or yellowish-white in the centre.

A marked sphere of action. There is chronic irritation of the pharynx with a sensation of dryness and rawness [Allen]. Granular pharyngitis is characteristic, the mucosa appearing roughened and studded with small elevations. Thick, viscid mucus adheres to the pharyngeal walls and is difficult to detach. Voice may be hoarse in the morning, improving with use, but prolonged speaking exhausts it.

Constriction of the chest during inspiration, worse in cold air. Chronic bronchial catarrh with tough, scanty mucus, expectorated with effort.

No direct primary proving symptoms, though a sense of cardiac depression may occur secondary to bromide sedation.

Respiration is slow and somewhat laboured in chronic states. In acute catarrhs, breathing is impeded by thick mucus in the larynx and trachea, producing a rattling sound on deep inspiration.

Variable appetite; in chronic cases, there is morning nausea without vomiting. Sensation of weight after meals.

Occasional abdominal distension and flatulence after meals.

Increased frequency of urination in some cases, possibly linked to bromide’s diuretic effects. Urine pale, copious.

No peculiar cravings; occasional aversion to milk.

Lassitude and heaviness in the limbs, especially after prolonged standing.

Bromide rash – acneiform pustules, sometimes confluent, appearing on face, back, and shoulders. Skin may appear greasy and unhealthy.

• Kali bichromicum – Tough, stringy mucus, marked tendency to ulceration; Am-br has more granular pharynx.
• Baryta carbonica – Chronic pharyngeal catarrh in elderly; slower mental functions, more glandular involvement.
• Bromium – More acute, violent throat inflammation; Am-br slower, more chronic.
• Causticum – Hoarseness worse in the morning, but without granular pharynx.

• Complementary: Kali bichromicum, Phosphorus.
• Antidotes: Coffee, Nux vomica.
• Inimical: None recorded.
• Follows well: Baryta carbonica in chronic pharyngeal states.

Useful in public speakers with chronic granular pharyngitis from overuse of voice. Consider in chronic bronchitis with scanty, tough mucus and in patients whose mental faculties seem dulled after prolonged bromide medication.

Mind

• Dullness, mental.
• Memory, weakness of.

Head

• Pain, frontal, morning.
• Vertigo, rising from bed.

Throat

• Granular pharyngitis.
• Mucus, thick, adherent, pharynx.

Chest / Respiration

• Hoarseness, morning.
• Catarrh, chronic bronchial.

Skin

• Acneiform eruptions from bromides.

Generalities

• Catarrh, chronic, pharynx and larynx.

Clarke, J.H. – A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: Detailed account of bromide-induced catarrh, granular pharyngitis, and nervous sedation.
Allen, T.F. – Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica: Notes on mucous membrane action, skin eruptions, and mental dullness.
Hale, E.M. – New Remedies: Clinical insights on bromide compounds in chronic throat affections.