For the ready preparation of such solutions sublimate tablets can be obtained, properly mixed with one of the above-named salts. The dyed tablets are to be preferred, to prevent error on the part of the user. Tablets containing 1 gm. sublimate, 1 gm. sodium chlorid, and colored with eosin, are advocated by Angerer.
As metallic substances immediately decompose the bichlorid in solution, instruments cannot be placed in it, nor may it be kept in metallic vessels, glass being preferred.
Alcoholic solutions of sublimate are used to cover catgut, silk, and rubber drainage tubes.
Since sublimate is extremely toxic, great care must be used to prevent its absorption or retention in wounds. A strong solution must immediately be followed by a weaker one.
Toxic symptoms resemble arsenic poisoning very much, and are ushered in by an acute irritation of the wound, especially if moist sublimated gauze has been used, vertigo, and vomiting. The mucous membrane of the mouth becomes affected, followed by salivation and bleeding from the gums. There may be intestinal hemorrhage and an inflammation of the entire intestinal tract and kidneys, increasing in severity and resulting in death.
The early symptoms must be at once met by removal of the cause. Albumen and milk should be given internally, with stimulants as needed. The mouth is to be rinsed out at frequent intervals with a saturated solution of chlorate of potash.
Hydrogen Peroxid (Love).—A powerful nontoxic antiseptic. It is used in five- to fifty-per-cent aqueous solutions, and is most efficacious in suppurating wounds, in which it destroys the microörganisms of pus. It foams actively when brought in contact with the latter, and is said to render a wound aseptic by one or two applications. A standard preparation of known strength must be obtained, however, to get good results.
Iodin.—A very powerful nonirritating antiseptic. Used especially for washing wounds. The proper solution is made by mixing two drams of the tincture (℥j iodin to ℥Oj alcohol) with one pint of warm water (Bryant). The one-per-cent solution of the trichlorid is equal in its effectiveness to a four-per-cent carbolic solution (Langenbuch).
Lysol.—Very similar to creolin, both in composition and effect. Is nontoxic, and employed in two-per-cent aqueous solution. Appears as a soapy liquid, and forms a clear solution with water.
Potassium Permanganate.—An active disinfectant, quickly destroying the odor of decomposition, and for that reason is splendid for the washing out of foul wounds. It is nonpoisonous, and has moderate antiseptic power—the five-per-cent solution killing resting spores. Its effect is limited to a short time only, as the secretions from a wound decompose and precipitate it into an inactive form. It is employed in aqueous solution, differing in color from light ruby to dark brown; that is, 1-1,000 to 1-100. The solution, known as Condy’s Fluid, has a strength of 1-1,000.