Antimony Iodide Research Articles

The Oral Toxicity of Emetine Hydrochloride and Certain Related Compounds in Rabbits and Cats

SummaryThe minimal lethal dose of emetine hydrochloride given orally in enteric coated capsules is 15 to 20 mgm./kgm. for rabbits and cats. Of emetine bismuth iodide it is 50 mgm./kgm. for rabbits and 30 to 40 mgm./kgm. for cats; of emetine antimony iodide it is 30 mgm./kgm. for rabbits and 15 to 20 mgm./kgm. for cats; of auremetine it is 100 to 125 mgm./kgm. for rabbits and 30 to 40 mgm./kgm. for cats, and of iso-amyl cephaeline phosphate it is 300 to 350 mgm./kgm. for rabbits and 200 to 250 mgm./kgm. for cats. Postmortem examination revealed degenerative injury to cardiac and smooth muscle and to liver and kidney following lethal doses of all these drugs.Since the minimal lethal dose of emetine hydrochloride by mouth is in the same range as that given subcutaneously, fairly complete absorption from the gut is indicated. Again, since the minimal lethal dose on single subcutaneous injection or on single dose by mouth is in the same range as when given in small divided doses daily, an extremely slow rate of elimination or detoxification of the drug is indicated. The significance of the toxic range of such a drug as emetine is discussed.