Menthol and Oil of Cloves.—The odor of menthol and of oil of cloves could not be detected, but no tests were made to demonstrate their presence.
The analysis thus indicates that the Lavoris of today contains no resorcin but does contain a small amount of formaldehyd, a little saccharin, and oil of cinnamon (menthol and oil of cloves could not be detected by the odor, but were not tested for). The analysis showed that the principal constituent of Lavoris is zinc chlorid, of which there is about 0.1 gm. per 100 c.c. (about 1⁄2 grain to the ounce).
The amount of zinc chlorid given in the published formula, i. e., 1.04, is meaningless because the unit of weight or measure is not given; furthermore, the analysis shows that it is inaccurate for any unit of weight that might be assumed from the published figures. Since the amount of the most active medicinal ingredient is both indefinite and inaccurate, the composition of the preparation is essentially secret. Lavoris is indirectly advertised to the public by having included in the package a circular giving a list of diseases for which the preparation was recommended. The combination of zinc chlorid, formaldehyd and oil of cinnamon (assuming the menthol and oil of cloves to be present as flavors) in a mixture is irrational and likely to lead its users to ascribe a false and exaggerated value to the preparation. The name is objectionable in that it does not indicate the composition of the potent ingredients of the mixture, but instead suggests its use as a mouth wash.
From a standpoint of public safety, the most serious objection to Lavoris, however, lies in the many unwarranted therapeutic claims and suggestions. It is generally held that zinc chlorid solutions which possess a strength of from 1 to 200 up to 1 to 500 exercise a weak antiseptic action. The strength of zinc chlorid in Lavoris is approximately 1 to 1,000. The directions for its use recommend that Lavoris should be diluted. A dilution of 1 to 4 is recommended for a variety of mouth conditions while for cystitis irrigations and as a vaginal douche, it is recommended that one tablespoonful be added to a quart of warm water or salt solution. The strength of zinc chlorid in the last suggested dilution would approximate 1 to 64,000. It is evident that no antiseptic action could be expected from such dilutions.
The recommendation that diluted Lavoris be used for the treatment of coryza, nasal catarrh, hay fever, inflamed eyes, hemorrhoids and leucorrhea is objectionable and irrational. Especially dangerous is the recommendation that members of a family exposed to diphtheria or scarlet fever should use Lavoris freely as a preventive. Such recommendations can but give a false sense of security and lead to the neglect of proved methods for preventing the spread of these diseases. Equally unwarranted is the recommendation that in gonorrhea one teaspoonful of Lavoris to eight of warm water be used with a blunt end syringe.
The use of Lavoris as recommended would not only prove valueless in many instances but might lead to serious consequences because really valuable methods of prevention or treatment might be neglected. For these reasons the preparation is in conflict with Rule 6.
The Council declared Lavoris ineligible for New and Nonofficial Remedies.—(From The Journal A. M. A., Nov. 1, 1919)