CLINICAL USES OF 2,3-DIMERCAPTOPROPANOL (BAL). IV. PHARMACOLOGIC OBSERVATIONS ON BAL BY INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION IN MAN 1

Abstract

The toxic effects of BAL by intramusc. injn. were studied in 9 human subjects with secondary or tertiary lues. The results are based on 28 injns. of doses of from 3-8 mg./kg. In man, BAL produced paresthesias (burning or tingling of the nose, eyes, mouth, and skin), sweating and sense of warmth, pain (limbs, jaws, abdomen, head chest), lacrimation, blepharospasm, salivation, vomiting, unrest, apprehension, weakness, and fatigue. The heart rate is accelerated, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are usually increased. The minimal dose which causes unpleasant effects lies between 3 and 5 mg/kg., and a single dose of 8 mg./kg. produces marked symptoms. The effects of doses up to 8 mg. are completely reversible, the reactions lasting only an hr. or two. Doses of 5 mg./kg. may be given intra-musc. at intervals of 3 hrs. during the course of one day without significant cumulation.