Antimony
The
important derivatives of antimony include antimony oxide, antimony trichloride
(butter of antimony), antimony
sulfide, potassium antimony tartrate (tartar
emetic), stibine gas and antimonials used in therapeutics.
·
Alloys
·
Plating
·
Pigments
·
Batteries
·
Ant paste (insecticide)
·
Matches
·
Therapeutics: In the past, tartar
emetic was quite popular as an emetic, diaphoretic, and indirect expectorant.
Today virtually the only indication for the use of antimonials in medicine is
leishmaniasis for which relatively safe pentavalent antimony compounds are used
such as sodium stibogluconate and meglumine antimoniate.
·
Antimony trichloride and stibine
(which is a gas) are mainly encountered in the industry.
·
Antimony sulfide may be used as kohl to darken the eyebrows, or as
collyrium for the eyes in place of lead sulfide (surma).
·
Ingestion of antimony compounds
produces abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, haematemesis, dermatitis, EEG
changes, oliguria, and renal and hepatic failure.
·
Exposure to the dust and fumes may
cause gingivitis, rhinitis, chest tightness, shortness of breath, bronchitis,
pulmonary oedema, headache, and dizziness.
·
Inhalation of stibine gas (released
when antimony alloys are treated with acids) causes respiratory irritation,
vomiting, headache, haemolytic anaemia, haematuria, myoglobinuria, and renal
failure.
·
Signs and symptoms of chronic
exposure may include ECG changes, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumo-nitis,
pneumoconiosis, ulceration of the nasal septum and larynx, and contact allergy
to metal. Skin contact with antimony compounds can cause papules and pustules
around sweat and sebaceous glands. QT prolongation and T wave changes have been
reported on ECG.
·
Side effects associated with
pentavalent antimonial therapy include arthralgias, myalgias, and EEG changes,
and are usually reversible.
·
Antimony has been found to cause
premature births and spontaneous abortions in women, along with growth retardation
in children. Russian studies have suggested that workers exposed to antimony
have shown sexual dysfunc-tion in males and increased incidence of
gynaecological problems in females.
·
Chelation with BAL (as in arsenic
poisoning).* It is given intramuscularly for 10 days. However, DMSA may be more
effective. D-penicillamine is less effective but may be useful. EDTA is not
effective.
·
Haemodialysis.
·
Stomach wash may help if the patient
is seen early, in the case of oral ingestions.
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