Products
Dakin solution is available in pharmacies and drugstores as a homemade product. Finished medicines are also commercially available in some countries. The solution was developed by British chemist Henry Drysdale Dakin and French physician Alexis Carrel for wound treatment during the First World War. It saved countless lives in wartime surgery. Today, however, it plays a much less important role.
Ingredients and production
Dakin solution contains sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as the active ingredient. It is usually prepared from a concentrated solution with the addition of purified water and sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate) as a basic pH stabilizer. In the DMS there is a manufacturing instruction: Recipe DMS. The concentrated solution to be further diluted is available from Hänseler (3%). The solution has a slight odor of chlorine due to the formation of chlorine gas. Sodium hypochlorite may also be present in Javel water, which is used for non-medical purposes. Javel water is originally made on the basis of potassium hypochlorite.
Effects
Dakin solution has antiseptic, oxidizing, bleaching, and deodorizing properties. It is effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. According to the literature, the effects are based on the formation of the hypochlorous acid with water and other chlorine compounds, which are non-specific oxidizing. Due to its rapid decomposition, Dakin’s solution has a short duration of action.
Areas of application
As a disinfectant for the prevention and treatment of infections, especially for wound treatment. Dakin solution is also used in dentistry (e.g., root canal treatment).
Dosage
According to the technical information. The solution must be further diluted depending on the field of application! The healthy skin can be protected, for example, with Vaseline.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include:
- Skin redness, swelling, and irritation.
- Allergic reactions
- Delayed wound healing
Dakin solution has been criticized for its cytotoxic properties, which can lead to a delay in wound healing. According to the literature, cytotoxicity is dose-dependent.
