This is a compound of albumin and silver containing 8.3 per cent, of silver in organic combination.

Properties : Protargol occurs as a light brown powder which is slowly but freely soluble in water (1:2). Protargol should be protected from the light and its solutions should be made as required. It is precipitated by cocain hydrochlorid, but this may be prevented by the addition of boric acid.

Action and Uses: Protargol is a non-irritant bactericide and antiseptic. It may be employed in chronic gonorrhea as a non-irritant substitute for silver nitrate, and in diseases of the mucous membranes of the eye, ear, nose and throat as an antiseptic and astringent. It is largely used in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

Dosage: It is used chiefly in the form of from 0.25 to 1 per cent, solution for instillations or injections and 1:1,000 to 1:2,000 solution as irrigations. Also used in the form of tampons and bougies. Solutions are preferably made by sprinkling the protargol over the surface of the required amount of cold water and setting aside until solution occurs.