In ancient Chinese medicine, arsenic anhydride (arsenic oxide) has been used since ancient times . Since the 17th century, it has been used in homeopathy. This inorganic compound is also used today in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, oncological tumors, as well as a necrotizing agent for skin pathologies, in dentistry.
Characterization and description of the substance
Arsenic anhydride - a substance presented in the form of glassy pieces or heavy white powder, which slowly dissolves in water, caustic alkalis. In order to obtain a powder, pieces of arsenic are moistened with ethanol, then triturated and dried.
Today you can also find arsenic anhydride in the composition of tablets, which are coated. In one such pill, in addition to arsenic, ferrous sulfate is contained.
Arsenic anhydride found application in medicine. The drug in the form of tablets is used orally for such pathologies:
- exhaustion of the body;
- anemia;
- neurasthenia;
- anemia;
- chronic digestive disorders;
- rickets;
- osteodystrophy.
Outwardly, the powder is used as a necrotizing agent for skin pathologies. In dentistry, the drug is used for necrotization of the pulp.
Therapeutic effect, or Properties of arsenic anhydride
When using the drug locally, after three hours, irritation, pain and inflammation are observed, then necrosis of the skin or mucous membranes, tooth pulp occurs. When ingested, an improvement in digestion, hematopoiesis is observed, nitrogenous and phosphorus compounds begin to be actively absorbed.
Tablets, which include arsenic anhydride, are easily absorbed in the digestive tract, but not completely. The active substance enters the bloodstream, begins to accumulate in all organs and tissues, mostly in the liver, lungs, spleen and kidneys. According to the results of studies, it became clear that the substance is able to penetrate the placenta and accumulate in the organs and tissues of the fetus.
Arsenic anhydride is removed from the body slowly, along with urine and bile, feces and sweat.
Instruction for use
Tablets are taken in the amount of one piece twice a day, after a meal. In the treatment of anemia, the drug has recently been used infrequently, since it is not effective enough. The maximum daily dosage is 0.015 grams.
The powder is applied externally to the tissue if necrotization is necessary. The procedure should be performed by a doctor.
Usage restrictions
You can not use drugs with this active substance in the presence of such pathologies and conditions:
- Diseases of the liver and kidneys.
- Neuritis.
- Dyspeptic disorders.
- The period of gestation and breastfeeding of the child.
The drug should be prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable.
The manifestation of adverse reactions, overdose
Side effects are observed when exceeding the allowable dosage of the drug. First of all, small vessels, skin, nerve tissue and liver are affected.
Arsenic anhydride is highly toxic. The maximum permissible concentration is 0.010 mg / m³. Semi-lethal dose - 19.1 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Prolonged poisoning by the drug contributes to hearing impairment. When taking tablets in large quantities, gastrointestinal poisoning develops. Two hours after taking the drug, a metallic taste is felt in the mouth, the abdomen begins to hurt badly, vomiting is observed (vomit is green), diarrhea. Further, dehydration occurs, convulsions develop, jaundice, anemia, and renal failure in acute form appear. Then come the collapse, coma, respiratory paralysis.
In chronic intoxication, paresthesia, neuritis, discoloration of the skin, dermatitis, nausea and vomiting, anemia, depletion of the body, impaired cardiovascular system, swelling, etc. are observed. Chronic poisoning leads to death as a result of the development of pneumonia, cirrhosis of the liver, myocardial necrosis, etc.
In acute intoxication, a 5% unitiol solution is administered intramuscularly in an amount of 5 or 10 ml every six hours. For chronic intoxication, take one capsule with 0.5 g of unitiol for three days.
Additional Information
According to the results of numerous studies, it became clear that the toxic effect of the drug is reduced if phenobarbital, diphenin or spironolactone is previously administered. With the simultaneous use of thyroxine, prednisone, estradiol, and triamcinol, the toxicity of arsenic anhydride increases.
In addition to medicine, the substance is actively used for the manufacture of colored glass, as well as in wood chemistry and electrical engineering.