Fowler's solution

Fowler's solution is a solution containing potassium arsenite that once was prescribed as a remedy or a tonic. A Dr. Fowler of Stafford, England proposed its use in 1786 as a substitute for a patented medicine, "tasteless ague drop". It was prescribed in the United States until the late 1950's for a range of ailments including malaria, chorea, and syphilis.

Fowler's solution, also known as "Liquor Potassii Arenitis", Kali Arsenicosum or Kali arseniatum, is a 1% solution of potassium arsenite, KH₂AsO₃.

Because of the poisonous and carcinogenic nature of arsenic compounds, Fowler's solution is dangerous. Documented side effects of treatment with Fowler's solution are :

• hepatic cirrhosis
• idiopathic portal hypertension
• urinary bladder cancer
• skin cancers

External links

• Materia Medica entry for Fowler's solution
• Fowler's+solution at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)