FORMALINUM

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification

• Chemical Formula: CH₂O (Formaldehyde)
• Common Names: Formaldehyde solution, Formalin
• Origin: Synthetic chemical compound derived from the oxidation of methanol.

Historical Facts

• Discovery: Formaldehyde was discovered by Russian chemist Aleksandr Butlerov in 1859 and was first synthesized by German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann in 1868.
• Medical Use: Initially used as a disinfectant and preservative, formaldehyde’s medical applications have expanded to include its use in treating respiratory conditions and as a potent disinfectant in medical settings.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

Formalinum acts by denaturing proteins and nucleic acids of microorganisms, leading to their death.

Its antiseptic properties are utilized in disinfecting and treating infections.

When applied to malignant tumors, it causes necrosis of cancerous tissue without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Disinfectant and Deodorant: Prevents growth and kills pathogenic microorganisms.
• Tumour Treatment: Has a unique property of affecting malignant tumours without damaging healthy tissue.
• Respiratory Therapeutic Agent: Effective in treating whooping cough, catarrhal affections, and dyspnea.
• Mind Effects: Causes forgetfulness, anxiety, and unconsciousness.
• Skin Effects: Causes puckering, wrinkling, and eczema in the neighbourhood of wounds.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

MIND

• Forgetfulness: Difficulty in remembering things.
• Anxiety: Feelings of unease or nervousness.
• Unconsciousness: A state of being unaware and unable to respond.

HEAD

• Coryza: Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose, causing a runny nose.
• Vertigo: Sensation of spinning or dizziness.
• Eyes Watering: Increased tear production.

MOUTH

• Ptyalism: Excessive salivation.
• Loss of Taste: Inability to taste food properly.
• Thick Saliva: Saliva becomes thick and sticky.

STOMACH

• Burning Sensation: In the mouth and stomach.
• Food Feels Like a Ball: Sensation of food sitting heavily in the stomach.

ABDOMEN

• Intense Urging to Stool: Strong need to defecate.
• Watery Stools: Diarrhea with watery consistency.

URINARY

• Anuria: Absence of urine production.
• Albuminous Urine: Presence of albumin in the urine, indicating kidney issues.

RESPIRATORY

• Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing.
• Laryngismus Stridulus: A form of laryngitis causing a harsh, high-pitched sound during breathing.
• Whooping Cough: Severe coughing spells followed by a “whooping” sound.

FEVER

• Chills and Fever: Chills in the forenoon followed by prolonged fever.
• Bone Ache: Aching bones during the fever paroxysm.
• Forgetfulness During Fever: Loses awareness of surroundings during fever.

SKIN

• Puckering and Wrinkling: Skin puckers like leather and wrinkles.
• Scaling Off: Skin scales off.
• Eczema: Inflammation of the skin around wounds.
• Damp Sweat: Noticeable on the right upper extremity.

MODALITIES

• Better: Symptoms are generally managed by appropriate dosing and conditions.
• Worse: Symptoms worsen with incorrect dosing or exposure to irritants.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

Antidote

• Ammonia Water: Used to counteract the effects of formalin poisoning.

Compare with

• Ammonium Formaldehyde (Cystogen): Used to prevent decomposition of urine, dissolves phosphatic deposits, and inhibits growth of pyogenic bacteria. Dose: 5-7 grains, 2-4 times daily.
• Urotropin: Diuretic and solvent for uric acid concretions, relieves cystitis associated with putrefaction. Dose: 3-5 grains, well diluted.

DOSE

• As Vapor: Used in hot water for respiratory affections.
• Spray: 1% solution.
• Potency: 3x potency for general use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does Formalinum treat?

• Formalinum treats respiratory conditions like whooping cough and phthisis, digestive issues, urinary problems, and skin conditions like eczema.

How is Formalinum administered?

• Formalinum can be administered as a vapor in hot water for respiratory issues, as a 1% spray, or in 3x potency for general use.

Are there any side effects of Formalinum?

• Yes, improper use can cause severe side effects like burning sensations, intense abdominal pain, and severe skin reactions.