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PYROZONE. 531

PYROZONE.
Formula.—HjOg.
Derivation.—Pyrozone has the same formula as peroxide of
hydrogen, and is presented in the form of solution only. Various
percentages have been produced which are devoid of poisonous
properties and other objectionable features. It is presented in
the following percentages : An aqueous medicinal solution of
pyrozone, 3 per cent. ; an ethereal solution which is antiseptic,
8 per cent., and a caustic ethereal solution of 25 per cent.,—all
of the same formula H2O2.
Medical Properties and Action.—The medicinal 3 per cent,
aqueous solution acts with great rapidity, causing instant effer-
vescence, and is a harmless antiseptic externally or internally. It
is nearly neutral, and its cleansing effects in removing mucus are
very effective. The ethereal 5 per cent, solution is powerfully
antiseptic, and acts on pus with remarkable energy.
The caustic 25 per cent, solution, also ethereal, is the most
powerful, and both it and the 5 per cent, solution, when applied
to the skin, cause a tingling sensation and a marble whiteness,
similar in appearance to that caused by carbolic acid ; the dis-
coloration of the pyrozone, however, disappears after some hours
without leaving any marks or other bad effects.
The 25 per cent, solution is not only a powerful caustic, but
is also considered to be a very safe one, as the rapid evaporation
of its solvent—ether—leaves the concentrated HjOg behind.
When not in use these solutions should be kept from contact
with organic matters, on account of their rapid action. All of
the pyrozone solutions are prompt hemostatics ; but the 3 per
cent, solution is the best for such a purpose, for the reason that
its caustic action is less than that of the per cent, or 25 per
5
cent, solutions.
All of the pyrozone solutions are bleachers, but the per cent,
5
and 25 per cent, solutions act more promptly for such a purpose,
on account of the action of the hydrogen on organic coloring
matter, and not by reaction due to acid. The painful sensation
produced by the stronger solutions coming in contact with a
healthy surface may be quickly relieved by rubbing freely with