RESORCIN. — Resorcin (resorcinum, U. S. P.; meta-di-oxy-benzene) is a di atomic phenol obtained from benzene meta-di-sulphonic acid by sodium hy drate with heat. It is also produced from different resins and from mnbellif crow gum-resins on fusion with caustic potash. It is isomeric with pyrocatechin hydroquinone. It occurs in small, color less, rhombic prisms, or plates, which turn reddish on exposure; is neutral in reaction; has a sweetish, unpleasant taste, and a peculiar, but faint, odor, which resembles that of carbolic acid.
Preparations and Dose.—It is soluble in alcohol (1 in 0.5), in water (1 in 0.6), in ether, and in glycerin, but very slightly soluble in chloroform or in car bon disulphide. The best vehicles for medicinal purposes are alcohol, glycerin, and syrup of orange. Resorcin has anti pyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti conetic, analgesic, hemostatic, and anti zymotic properties. It is given in doses of from 2 to 30 grains, several times a day. Maximum single dose is 45 grains; maximum daily dose is 150 grains.
Poisoning by Resorcin.—In large doses (60 grains) resorcin causes a lowering of the temperature (which persists for two or three hours), nausea, oppression, lan guor, salivation, and profuse sweating. In larger doses it is followed by cerebral symptoms, such as giddiness, tingling, deafness, confused vision, tremor, clonic convulsions, and unconsciousness; the tongue is dry, the teeth clenched, the pupils normal, the temperature low, and the urine black (Itinoglobinuria). Death occurs from respiratory and cardiac pa ralysis. Death has occurred in children from lavage of the stomach with a 3 per-cent. solution. Schwabe recently re ported a case in a child in which 15 grains in an enema produced alarming symptoms. In the adult recovery has fol lowed the ingestion of 2 drachms.
Treatment of Poisoning by Resorcin. Evacuation and lavage of the stomach are indicated. The administration of albu min, diffusible stimulants, and diuretics may be supplemented by the application of external warmth to the trunk and ex tremities. The use of atropine, strych nine, or ether hypodermically and of amyl-nitrite by inhalation or internally will counteract the paralyzing effect of resorcin upon the heart and the respira tion. Red wine has been suggested as
being useful in these cases.
Therapeutics. — GASTRO - INTESTINAL DISORDERS. - Resorcin has been em ployed in doses of from 1 to in solution or powder, repeated every hour or two, for the relief of vomiting and seasickness. In similar doses it has been found of value in dyspepsia, chronic gastric catarrh, diarrhoea, cholera nostras, cholera morbus, and in enteritis. It is also serviceable in the diarrhoea of chil dren (enterocolitis or cholera infantum). It relieves pain and checks haemorrhage from gastric ulcers. Gastralg,ia is re lieved by this remedy. IV. II. Thomson, of New York, suggests the following formula for this class of cases: Resorcin, 2 drachms; tincture of orange-peel, glyc erin, and syrup of ginger, of each, ounce; peppermint-water, sufficient to make 6 ounces. Of this a dessertspoonful in a wineglassful of water is taken after meals. If preferred, 2 to 4 grains may be given in pill or capsules before each meal, in cases of gastric ulcer, as sug gested by Ilare, who attributes the bene ficial action to the analgesic, antiseptic, and haemostatic powers of resorcin.
—In leucoplakia Leisti kow advises: Resorcin, 6 parts; siliceous earth, 3 parts; lard, 1 part; this to be spread over the patches several times daily, especially after eating and before going to bed. After eight to fourteen days the opaline patches shrink and the mucous membrane becomes thin, rosy, and very sensitive. The mouth may be rinsed frequently with peppermint-water to which borax has been added. To over come the hyperemia caused by the re sorcin, applications of balsam of Peru are useful.
—Resorcin in doses of from 30 to 60 grains has been used as an anti pyretic, but it is not serviceable, as, in addition to the untoward symptoms pro duced by these large doses, it has little power in strong fevers. It has been used, however, locally and internally in ery sipelas, puerperal fever, and septicemia with marked benefit.