Sometimes there are cases in which a person is poisoned with any poisonous substances (industrial accident, inhalation of mercury vapor and similar situations). Any poisoning is fraught with serious consequences, so it is extremely important to remove the poison from the body as soon as possible. Sodium thiosulfate can be an excellent tool for this.
The composition of sodium thiosulfate
Instructions for use states that the drug includes three components:
- Sodium thiosulfate is the main active ingredient. 10 grams of the drug accounts for 3 grams of salt.
- Also included is sodium bicarbonate, which plays the role of a stabilizer.
- Water for injection - as a solvent.
Release form
At the moment, the pharmaceutical market has several forms of sodium thiosulfate release:
- An injection solution intended for intravenous administration with a concentration of a drug substance of 30%.
- Solution with a concentration of sodium thiosulfate 60%, for external use.
- Powder.
Mechanism of action
Sodium thiosulfate is a salt formed from thiosulfuric acid. Due to its chemical properties, when combined with mercury, arsenic, iodine, or boron, it enters into chemical reactions, forming sulfates, which are not toxic to the human body.
In case of poisoning with hydrocyanic acid, the drug quickly and effectively disposes of dangerous cyanides.
This mechanism is relevant for injectable forms of the drug. As for the external remedy that is used to treat scabies, their mechanism is as follows:
In an acidic environment, sodium thiosulfate is converted to sulfur dioxide. This substance is detrimental to the scabies mite, as well as the eggs that it lays.
pharmachologic effect
The main property of the drug is the elimination of toxins and salts of heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury and lead from the body.
The drug also neutralizes cyanides, forming less toxic compounds. However, the greatest therapeutic effect occurs with the simultaneous administration of sodium thiosulfate, sodium hyposulfite and sodium nitrite.
The properties of this medicinal relationship should also include antiparasitic and anti-scab effect.
In addition, the drug is able to have a moderate anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.
Indications for use
The instructions for sodium thiosulfate include the following information:
Since the tool is a known antidote, it can be used for poisoning with salts of arsenic, mercury, iodine, bromine.
In complex therapy, together with antihistamines, the drug can be used in the treatment of allergies.
In addition, sodium thiosulfate is effective in treating neuralgia, but only as an adjuvant.
Contraindications
The main contraindication is hypersensitivity to sodium thiosulfate. The instruction indicates that in the case of the use of the drug, fulminant development of a powerful allergic reaction in the form of itching, rash and even Quincke's edema is possible, which can lead to death.
According to the instructions for the use of sodium thiosulfate, when the drug is administered intravenously, side effects can be expressed as pain at the injection site.
Side effects
Like any other drug, in some cases, sodium thiosulfate is able to have a negative effect on the patient's body. However, unlike many other drugs, the list of undesirable adverse reactions in this case is small.
It includes the possible development of allergies. When symptoms such as:
- rash;
- itching
- redness of the eyes;
- lacrimation
- swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth;
- burning sensation in the mucous membranes;
- nausea;
- headache.
You should immediately consult a doctor for advice. As a rule, in such cases, the specialist prescribes an antihistamine to quickly relieve symptoms and replaces sodium thiosulfate with another drug.
In addition, the instructions for sodium thiosulfate indicate that when injecting in the puncture area, a sensation of pain, burning may occur. This symptom disappears a few minutes after the procedure.
Method of application and dosage regimen for external use
To treat scabies, a 60% solution is used, which must be rubbed into the affected limbs, allowed to dry. After this, you need to additionally treat the skin of the hands, feet and body with 6% hydrochloric acid.
This should be done 2-3 times a day for 3-7 days. However, the frequency of use of the drug and the duration of the course should be determined by the doctor individually for each patient.
Inside use
The instruction for sodium thiosulfate for oral administration states that it can be used to cleanse the body of toxins. A single dose should not exceed 3 grams of pure sodium thiosulfate.
The drug is often prescribed for oral administration to patients suffering from psoriasis. In this case, sodium thiosulfate in an amount of 10-20 ml should be diluted in drinking water (100-200 ml). The drug is drunk 1 time per day, after dinner, before bedtime. The duration of the course should not exceed two weeks.
According to the instructions for sodium thiosulfate, it is better to start with 10 ml (in terms of pure sodium thiosulfate). If necessary, the dosage can be gradually doubled. It is allowed to add a little lemon juice to brighten up the unpleasant taste of the liquid.
Intravenously
The instruction of sodium thiosulfate states that a single dosage is in the range from 5 to 50 ml.
The amount of medication and the dosage regimen depend on many factors:
- Age and gender of the patient.
- The substance that caused the poisoning.
- The degree of intoxication.
- Severity of symptoms.
Application in gynecology
Sodium thiosulfate is widely used as an adjuvant for the treatment of women suffering from infertility.
In the form of microclysters, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of adhesions and inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs. Its use in genital tuberculosis is also relevant. The drug is prescribed in conjunction with enzyme preparations (for example, lidase) and an antioxidant (vitamin E). In this case, sodium thiosulfate is administered intravenously according to the following scheme: 10 ml of the solution 1 time per day every other day. The number of procedures should be equal to 40-50.
Terms and conditions of storage
Sodium thiosulfate, regardless of the form of release, should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees, in a dry, protected from direct sunlight.
The shelf life of an unopened drug is five years from the date of manufacture.
The instructions for sodium thiosulfate intravenously indicate that opening the ampoule should only be used once. Residues must be disposed of.
Pharmacy Vacation Terms
The drug belongs to prescription drugs, so it can only be purchased if there is a prescription from a doctor.
Reviews on the use of sodium thiosulfate
The instruction says that the drug is an effective antidote for various poisonings. Numerous reviews of patients and doctors confirm this.
Doctors use this tool for a single decade, so they trust its safety and effectiveness. Improving well-being comes almost immediately.
People suffering from psoriasis are often saved by the use of sodium thiosulfate.
Conclusion
Sodium thiosulfate is a reliable, time-tested drug with a wide range of medicinal properties. Its quality and effectiveness are confirmed by numerous reviews. The instruction for sodium thiosulfate contains a small list of side effects and contraindications, which is also a huge plus.