Resorcin

Resorcin, Resorcinum (C6H4(OH)2), meta-dihydroxybenzene, a diatomic phenol, a derivative of benzene, C6H4(OH)2. I. Colorless prismatic crystals, specific weight 1.27, of a sweetish, pungent and then bitter taste, of a characteristic, very faint odor. When completely pure, it melts at 118° (pharmacopoeia allows a melting point of 110-112°). It boils at 276° and volatilizes (sublimes) at a significantly lower temperature. In the presence of air and light, Resorcin acquires a reddish tint. 1 part of Resorcin dissolves in 0.9 parts of water and in the same amount of alcohol; Resorcin dissolves easily in glycerin and ether, with more difficulty in benzene, and is almost insoluble in chloroform. Resorcin is an energetic reducing agent, especially in the presence of alkalis: it reduces Fehling's solution, solutions of silver and mercury salts, with the corresponding metals being precipitated. When heated with double the amount of phthalic anhydride, it gives easily recognizable fluorescein. Nitric acid transforms Resorcin into trinitroresorcin (OH)2C6H(NO3)3, soluble in water with an intensely yellow color. A solution of resorcin with ferric chloride gives an intense violet coloration. Aqueous solutions of Resorcin turn an intense red color when heated with strong sulfuric acid in the presence of tartaric acid. Resorcin is stored in a dark glass bottle in a dry and cool place. Physiologically, Resorcin is similar to phenol, having an antiseptic action approximately three times weaker than solutions of phenol of the same concentration. Resorcin precipitates protein even at strong dilutions. Locally, Resorcin acts as a cauterizing agent, without causing pain and without the formation of scars. When large doses of Resorcin are taken orally in humans, redness of the face, dizziness, ringing in the ears, acceleration of respiration and pulse are observed. About 4.0 grams can cause collapse and loss of consciousness. Larger doses (10.0 grams and more) cause cooling of the extremities, epileptiform convulsions, opisthotonus, and death with symptoms of collapse. In the body, Resorcin combines with sulfuric or glucuronic acids and is excreted through the kidneys in this form, while part undergoes further oxidation, which is detected by the olive-greenish color of the urine. In Starkenstein, a case of fatal poisoning of a 3-week-old child with 5% resorcin vaseline is described. The picture at autopsy generally resembles phenol poisoning, but the symptoms are less pronounced; the blood is dark brownish-red. In forensic-chemical analysis, Resorcin is extracted from the object, acidified with tartaric acid, with gasoline, by distillation with steam, and the distillate is subjected to the reactions described above. Microchemically, Resorcin is identified as resorcin-chingidron (rectangular tablets with yellow-red dichroism), obtained by adding quinone to an alcohol-benzene solution of Resorcin, and as tribromoresorcin (long needles and prisms).-Therapeutic use of Resorcin is found mainly in dermatology. In concentrations of 1-2%, Resorcin is used as an anti-itch agent and antiseptic in urticaria and other inflammatory processes of the epidermis; in a 3-4% solution it acts as an antiseptic and has a slight keratolytic effect. For furunculosis, a 2% solution of Resorcin in 50% alcohol is used as compresses at the very beginning of the process; in ophthalmology practice - a 1-2% ointment; in gynecology - 1-2% solutions for leucorrhea, itching of the external genital parts, and vaginitis; for gonorrhea - a 0.25-2% solution for douches. Internally, Resorcin is rarely prescribed, mainly for gastritis. Doses: internally 0.1-0.5 per dose for adults; for children, proportionally less according to age, in solution. Externally - in ointments; Resorcin is added to the ointment base in the form of the finest, powdery powder (do not dissolve in water, as general action may occur): 5-10% on vaseline or with lanolin, etc. Avoid simultaneous prescription of Resorcin with alkalis and salts of heavy metals due to the possibility of reduction of the latter. In case of Resorcin poisoning - washing the stomach with highly sugared lime water, then Glauber's salt, egg white diluted with half water; vigorous symptomatic treatment! When absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes - bloodletting followed by injection of Ringer's solution!-Resorcin-antipyrine - white, water-insoluble crystals, obtained by mixing aqueous solutions

of Resorcin and antipyrine.