Didn't think it sounded too pleasant, Rob. Now we know why it's not recommended any more. We don't want to end up poisoning ourselves!

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Replying to:

And here is the reason why it isnt used too often now....



Fowler's solution is a remedy (or a tonic) that used to be prescribed for a range of ailments. It is a 1% solution of potassium arsenite. Other names are : Kali Arsenicosum or Kali arseniatum and the chemical formula is KH2AsO4. Discovered in 1786 was used for over 150 years.



Because of poisonous and carcinogenic nature of arsenic inorganic compounds the solution is dangerous in short term and prolonged use. Documented "side-effects" of treatment with Fowler's solution are :



* hepatic cirrhosis

* idiopathic portal hypertension

* urinary bladder cancer

* skin cancers



From: http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fowler's_solution

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Replying to:

Annie



I picked up a copy of the consise oxford textbook of medicine at the weekend and read thro the section on DH treatment and came across an old but apparently effective alternative treatment:



"Steroid treatment is strangely ineffective and heparin oddly effective. Inorganic arsenicals (Fowler's solution) are effective and were once very popular, and it is probably justified in elderly patients much troubled by the disease and unable to tolerate dapsone or sulphapryidine."



Have we come across this yet?



Dr Rob Alcock