Octyl nitrite is a clear light-colored liquid. May be toxic by ingestion. May severely irritate skin upon contact. Octyl nitrite (2-ethyl-n-hexyl-1-nitrite) is a liquid nitrite of one of the higher alcohols which, because of its volatility, can be administered by inhalation. Krantz, Carr, and Forman, who first prepared this substance, state that in laboratory animals it produces a fall in systemic blood pressure and an increase in the coronary blood flow; it dilates isolated coronary artery rings, and, in normal men, the inhalation of large doses (0.2 c.c. for one minute) produces a moderate fall in blood pressure, together with a moderate increase in heart rate. Octyl nitrite proved to be effective in treatment of Angina pectoris. This was shown objectively, not only by an increased ability to work after inhalation of the drug, but also by a definite decrease in the duration of the attacks in some cases. Furthermore, this drug, like others which are effective in angina pectoris, prevents the development of the electrocardiographic changes which ordinarily occur on exertion in patients with angina. Octyl nitrite is apparently similar in its action to nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite, and it has all of their advantages and disadvantages. It differs from nitroglycerin primarily in that, being volatile, it can be administered by inhalation. The Food and Drug Administration finds that "coronary vasodilators" (Octyl nitrite) are extensively regarded by physicians as safe and useful as employed under medical supervision for the management of angina pectoris in some patients. The Food and Drug Administration also finds that there is neither substantial evidence of effectiveness nor a general recognition by qualified experts that such drugs are effective for any of the other purposes for which some such drugs are promoted to the medical profession in labeling and advertising. In particular, neither clinical investigations nor clinical experience justify any representations that such drugs are effective in the management of hypertension; in the management of coronary insufficiency or coronary artery disease, except for their anginal manifestations; or in the management of the post coronary state, except angina pectoris present after coronary occlusion and myocardial infarction.