Eng., Potassium Permanganate.

Form

Purple-colored prisms.

Odor And Taste

Odorless. Taste at first sweet, but afterwards disagreeable and astringent.

Solubility

In 13.5 parts of water. Decomposed by alcohol.

Incompatibles

Organic matter, mineral acids, ammonia, arsenites, bromides, chlorides, hypophosphites, hyposulphites, sulphites, ferrous salts, hydrogen dioxide, mercurous salts, etc.

Average Dose

1 grain (0.06 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Germicide, disinfectant, deodorant.

Uses

Sometimes used for disinfecting the hands for operations. Extensively employed as a wet dressing for infected wounds, erysipelas, etc. Used by irrigation for gonorrhea, cystitis, vaginitis, pelvic congestion, etc. A remedy for snake-bite. Used as a deodorant for cast-off dressing, sinks, etc.

Administration

The action of this drug depends on its splitting up in the presence of organic matter with the liberation of oxygen, which oxidizes the organic material. It is therefore a true chemical antidote for alkaloidal poisoning. It should be prescribed in distilled water, as the small amount of organic matter in ordinary-water will decompose the drug to that extent. When triturated with glycerin or other easily oxidized matter, a dangerous explosion may occur. As an irrigation for gonorrhea, cystitis, etc., it is usually employed in aqueous solution about 1: 20,000 to 1: 3000 strength. As a vaginal douche or wet dressing the strength is commonly about 1: 5000. It should be remembered that it will stain clothing or the skin. The stains may be removed by solution of oxalic acid. The following illustrates the method of prescribing:

As a vaginal douche:

M.

Sig

Use tablespoonful to gallon of hot water as directed.

This makes a solution of about 1:5000.

As a wet dressing for carbuncles, etc.:

M.

Sig

Use a teaspoonful to a quart of hot water as directed.

This makes a solution of about 1 to 5000.