Origin. - Prepared by dissolving zinc in boiling hydrochloric acid. To the solution is added first nitric acid, then zinc carbonate to precipitate the impurities. Filter and finally evaporate.

Description and Properties. - A white, granular powder or porcelain-like masses, irregular or molded into pencils; odorless; of such intensely caustic properties as to make tasting dangerous, unless the salt is dissolved in much water, when it has an astringent, metallic taste. Very deliquescent; soluble in about 0.4 part of water, forming a clear solution; very soluble in alcohol. Zinc chloride should be kept in small, glass-stoppered bottles.

Used externally.

Official Preparation

Liquor Zinci Chloridi - Liquoris Zinci Chloridi - Solution of Zinc Chloride (U. S. P.). - Used externally.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Zinc chloride is caustic, antiseptic, disinfectant, irritant, astringent, and slightly hemostatic, according to the strength of the preparation. Its caustic action is painful, yet, while the drug penetrates very deeply, limited to the seat of application.

Poisoning by zinc chloride is evidenced by all the symptoms produced by a violent corrosive irritant poison.

The drug formerly enjoyed quite a reputation as a remedy for cancer, especially epithelioma, in which case it was used in the form of "caustic arrows" inserted in the base of the growth so as to separate it from the healthy tissues.

It is used as a paste and lotion for morbid growths, lupus exe-dens, putrid ulcers, naevi, and syphilitic sores.

Solutions of zinc chloride are injected into polypi and scrofulous glands, and for the destruction of the pulp of decayed teeth.

A weak solution of zinc chloride is an efficient injection in gonorrhea, leucorrhea, and hemorrhagic endometritis.

For caustic purposes the zinc chloride itself may be used, or a paste prepared with starch, gypsum, flour, anhydrous sulphate of lime, or powdered althea. Mayet's paste consists of zinc chloride 8 parts, zinc oxide 1 part, dried wheat flour 7 parts, and water 1 part. The cuticle must always be removed before applying the paste, strong water of ammonia answering for this purpose.