Tannalbin

TANNALBIN, Tannalbinum, Tanninum albuminatum, Albuminum tannicum (Ph VII), a light-brown amorphous powder, without odor or taste. It is obtained by combining protein with tannin, followed by "fixation" achieved by treatment with alcohol or heating to 110-120°. Water and alcohol partially extract tannin from it; T. dissolves in weak alkalis. It contains about 50% tannin and 8% nitrogen. T., taken per os, passes through the stomach, largely unchanged, since it does not dissolve in gastric juice (Ph VII allows dissolution of up to 50% of T. in artificial gastric juice with 3-hour exposure at 40°). In the small intestines, under the influence of an alkaline environment and the action of pancreatic juice, T. is completely broken down, with the release of tannin, which exerts its astringent action over a large extent of the intestines. T. has no taste or odor and is therefore readily taken by patients. The drug is used as an astringent for diarrhea of various origins, both acute and chronic. T. is used for various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as an antidiarrheal agent in doses of 0.5-2.0 grams several times a day. Similar preparations: Honthin and Tanhistol-T. from blood albumin; Tannaphthol-T. with naphthol; Tannocoll-T. from gelatin; Bromocoll-the same tannocoll with the introduction of 20% bromine, and many others.