It is undoubtedly true, however, as we have previously stated, that phenolphthalein is worthy of a trial. In the British Medical Journal, Oct. 18, 1902, F. W. Tunnicliffe speaks of the virtues of phenolphthalein, and the conclusions reached by him were that it is a useful aperient, without irritating action on the kidneys, and is especially valuable in jaundice, its depressing action on the circulation being less than sulphate of magnesia.
Phenolphthalein is not in the Pharmacopeia, but has been included in “New and Nonofficial Remedies” by the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry. From this we quote:
Actions and Uses.—Phenolphthalein acts as a purgative, but appears to possess no further physiologic action. A case of poisoning from taking 1 gm. (15 grains) is reported. Dosage.—For adults the average dose is 0.1 to 0.2 gm. (1.5 to 3 grains) given as powder, in cachets, capsules or pills. It may be given with safety in doses of 0.5 gm. (8 grains), and these doses seem to be necessary to secure its effects in bedridden patients or in obstinate cases.
We have gone into this matter again so that our readers may have some knowledge of this remedy, and we hope that if they conclude to try it they will use the chemical itself and under its own name.—(From The Journal A. M. A., Sept. 14, 1907.)
PYO-ATOXIN
“To the Editor:—I am sending you a sample of a proprietary preparation that for the past two or three years has been largely retailed in the South and Southwest as a new combination that liberates larger amounts of formaldehyd, etc., in the genito-urinary tract than any known agent, that it is a methylene-formate, entirely new, etc.
“I asked the representative why he had not submitted a specimen to the Council, and his reply was that like Wyeth and others they did not get a fair report, or something to this effect. My reasons for trying to find the truth for their claims is that quite a number of general practitioners have asked me regarding this Pyo-Atoxin.
“W. P. Dey, M.D., Jacksonville, Fla.”
Dr. Dey sent with the foregoing letter a box of Pyo-Atoxin which bore this label: