Ammonia solution

Ammonia solution is a solution of ammonia in water, often used for medical purposes, in household chemicals, and in various industrial processes. It contains about 10% ammonia (NH₃) in an aqueous solution. Ammonia solution has alkaline properties and is widely used as a cleaning agent, disinfectant, and as a means of removing odors and various contaminants.

In medicine, ammonia solution is sometimes used to neutralize poisons and intoxications, and as a local irritant for burns or insect bites. However, its use should only be carried out under the supervision of a specialist due to its high alkalinity and potential danger to the skin and mucous membranes.

Indications ammonia solution

1. Disinfection and Cleaning: In household settings, ammonia solution is often used to disinfect and clean various surfaces such as kitchen countertops, tiles, glass and metal surfaces.
2. Medical purposes: In medicine, it can be used to neutralize poisons and intoxications, as well as to treat skin for certain types of burns or insect bites.
3. Industrial Processes: Ammonia solution also finds application in various industrial processes such as fertilizer production, metal cleaning and chemical compound manufacturing.

Release form

Ammonia solution is usually available as a liquid, which is stored in glass or plastic containers of varying sizes.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Irritant effect:

   • Mucous membranes: When inhaling ammonia vapors, there is a strong irritation of the receptors of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat). This causes a reflex stimulation of the respiratory center in the medulla oblongata, which leads to increased and deeper breathing.
   • Skin: When applied to the skin, ammonia causes local irritation, increases blood circulation and can be used to treat the skin before injection or as an antiseptic.

2. Reflex stimulation:

   • Respiratory center: Inhalation of ammonia vapors causes reflex stimulation of the respiratory center, which leads to increased frequency and depth of breathing. This is useful in cases of fainting and collapse, when normal breathing must be quickly restored.
   • Central nervous system: Inhalation of ammonia causes short-term excitation of the central nervous system, which helps to bring the patient back to consciousness in cases of fainting.

3. Antiseptic action:

   • Antiseptic: Ammonia has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat small wounds and skin before injection.

Application in medicine:

1. First aid for fainting:

   • Ammonia solution is used to bring unconscious patients back to consciousness. To do this, wet cotton wool or gauze is placed under the patient's nose so that he inhales ammonia vapors.

2. Stimulation of breathing:

   • Used for short-term stimulation of breathing in various conditions accompanied by respiratory depression.

3. Local irritant:

   • It is used externally to treat the skin before injection and as an antiseptic for minor wounds and insect bites.

Pharmacokinetics

Introduction and absorption:

1. Inhalation:

   • When inhaling ammonia vapors, there is a rapid effect on the receptors of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Absorption of ammonia through the mucous membranes is minimal, since the main effect is associated with its local irritant effect.

2. Local application:

   • When applied to the skin, ammonia has a local irritant effect. The substance does not penetrate deeply into tissues and is not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream in significant quantities.

Distribution:

• When inhaled, ammonia does not enter the systemic bloodstream in significant quantities. The main action occurs locally in the upper respiratory tract and nasal cavity.
• When applied locally, ammonia is also not distributed systemically, remaining in the area of application.

Metabolism:

• Ammonia that enters the body in small quantities is metabolized in the liver to urea via the urea cycle (Krebs-Henseleit cycle). However, when using ammonia for medical purposes, the amount of ammonia absorbed is too small to significantly affect metabolic processes.

Withdrawal:

• Small amounts of ammonia that enter the systemic circulation are excreted from the body by the kidneys in the form of urea and other metabolic products.

Peculiarities:

• Rapid onset of action: When used by inhalation, the effect occurs quickly, as irritation of the mucous membranes leads to immediate reflex stimulation of the respiratory center.
• Short-term effect: The effect of ammonia is short-term and ceases soon after the source of inhalation is removed or local exposure ceases.

Dosing and administration

To stimulate breathing during fainting:

• Directions for use: Moisten cotton wool or gauze with a small amount of ammonia solution (ammonia) and bring it to the patient's nose at a distance of 5-10 cm. The patient should inhale the ammonia vapors. It is important not to bring the cotton wool too close to the nose to avoid burning the mucous membrane.
• Dose: A small amount of solution is used, enough to cause reflex stimulation of the respiratory center.

Local irritant:

• Directions for use: Ammonia solution can be applied externally to treat skin before injection or to treat minor wounds and insect bites.
• Dose: Apply a small amount of solution to cotton wool or gauze and gently treat the affected area of skin. Avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes.

Antiseptic:

• Directions for use: Used to disinfect small wounds and skin before injection.
• Dosage: Apply a small amount of solution to cotton wool or gauze and treat the area around the wound or the site of the future injection.

Use ammonia solution during pregnancy

1. Ammonia Toxicity: Ammonia is a toxic substance and can cause irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin when inhaled. High levels of ammonia can cause serious damage to the respiratory system and general toxic effects on the body. It is especially important to avoid exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy, as they can cause harm to both the mother and the fetus (Dominguini et al., 2020).
2. Effects on the fetal nervous system: Studies have shown that exposure to ammonia during pregnancy can cause brain damage in newborns and lead to long-term cognitive impairment. Ammonia can cause oxidative stress and protein damage in the fetal brain, which subsequently affects the child’s cognitive functions (Dominguini et al., 2020).
3. Recommendations for use: Pregnant women should avoid using ammonia solutions, especially in poorly ventilated areas. If ammonia must be used for household purposes, it is recommended to wear protective gloves and a mask, and ensure good ventilation of the premises (Byrne, 2010).
4. Alternatives to Ammonia: Safer natural cleaning products that do not contain toxic substances can be used as an alternative to ammonia solutions. For example, vinegar and baking soda can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces without posing any risk to the health of the mother and fetus (Byrne, 2010).

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

1. Hypersensitivity:

   • Presence of allergic reactions to ammonia or other components of the solution.

2. Bronchial asthma:

   • The use of ammonia solution can cause bronchospasm and worsen the condition in patients with bronchial asthma.

3. Respiratory diseases:

   • Severe respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema may be worsened by using ammonia.

4. Skin diseases:

   • The presence of inflammatory or allergic skin diseases at the site of intended application.

5. Childhood:

   • The use of ammonia in young children should be done with caution and only under the supervision of a physician.

Special warnings:

1. Pregnancy and lactation:

   • The use of ammonia solution during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be carried out with caution, only in cases of extreme necessity and under the supervision of a physician.

2. Oral administration:

   • Ammonia is strictly contraindicated for oral administration due to its high toxicity and the possibility of serious burns to the gastric and intestinal mucosa.

3. Damage to mucous membranes:

   • It is not recommended to use ammonia if there is damage to the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.

4. Solution concentration:

   • Using too concentrated ammonia solution can cause severe irritation and burns. Usually 10% ammonia solution is used.

Side effects ammonia solution

Main side effects:

1. Irritation of mucous membranes:

   • Nose: Inhaling ammonia vapors can cause severe irritation of the nasal mucosa, causing sneezing, runny nose and burning.
   • Throat: Burning and sore throat may occur upon contact with ammonia vapors.
   • Eyes: Ammonia vapors may cause watery, burning, and red eyes.

2. Cough and bronchospasm:

   • Inhalation of ammonia may cause coughing and, in hypersensitive individuals, bronchospasm and difficulty breathing.

3. Allergic reactions:

   • Allergic reactions to ammonia may occur, including rash, itching, hives, and, in rare cases, anaphylactic shock.

4. Headache and dizziness:

   • Inhaling ammonia may cause headaches and dizziness, especially with prolonged exposure or high vapor concentrations.

5. Nausea and vomiting:

   • The strong smell of ammonia can cause nausea and vomiting, especially in sensitive people.

6. Local skin reactions:

   • When applied to the skin, burning, redness and irritation may occur.

Serious side effects (if used incorrectly):

1. Chemical burns:

   • Concentrated ammonia solution can cause chemical burns to the skin and mucous membranes upon direct contact.

2. Laryngeal edema:

   • In rare cases, swelling of the larynx may occur, which requires immediate medical attention.

3. Severe bronchospasm:

   • In patients with asthma or chronic lung disease, inhalation of ammonia may cause severe bronchospasm.

Overdose

Signs of overdose:

1. If inhaled:

   • Severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat
   • Cough
   • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
   • Bronchospasm (especially in people with asthma)
   • Headache
   • Dizziness
   • Nausea and vomiting

2. In case of contact with skin and mucous membranes:

   • Burning and pain
   • Redness and irritation of the skin
   • Chemical burns of the skin
   • Tearing and burning in the eyes (upon contact with the eyes)

3. In case of accidental ingestion:

   • Burns of the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach
   • Severe abdominal pain
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Swelling of the throat, making breathing difficult
   • Systemic effects such as metabolic alkalosis may occur.

First aid measures:

1. If inhaled:

   • Immediately take the victim into fresh air.
   • Provide peace and warm shelter.
   • If symptoms persist or worsen, call emergency services.

2. In case of skin contact:

   • Remove contaminated clothing.
   • Rinse the affected area of skin with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes.
   • Seek medical attention if necessary.

3. In case of eye contact:

   • Immediately rinse eyes with plenty of running water or saline solution for 15 minutes.
   • Avoid rubbing your eyes.
   • Seek medical attention, especially if symptoms persist.

4. In case of accidental ingestion:

   • Call an ambulance immediately.
   • Do not induce vomiting.
   • Rinse your mouth with water.
   • If possible, give the victim a small amount of water or milk to drink (if he is conscious and has no difficulty swallowing) to dilute the ammonia.

Treatment of overdose:

• Treatment for ammonia overdose in a medical facility may include:
  • Ensuring airway patency and oxygen supply.
  • Symptomatic treatment of burns and irritation of mucous membranes.
  • If necessary, hospitalization and monitoring of the patient's condition.

Overdose prevention:

• Follow the instructions for use carefully.
• Keep ammonia solution out of reach of children.
• Use only recommended doses and directions of administration.
• Avoid prolonged inhalation of ammonia vapors.
• Do not use internally.

Interactions with other drugs

Interactions and compatibility:

1. Cough suppressants:

   • Cough suppressants: Using ammonia inhalation solution in the presence of cough suppressants (eg, codeine) may be contraindicated, since ammonia stimulates the cough reflex, and cough suppressants suppress it, which can make it difficult to remove sputum.

2. Topical agents:

   • Antiseptics and irritants: When used in combination with other local irritants or antiseptics, the irritant effect on the skin or mucous membranes may increase.

3. Antibiotics and antiviral agents:

   • Systemic antibiotics and antiviral drugs do not directly interact with ammonia when applied topically, but the possibility of irritation and inflammation should be taken into account when applied to damaged skin or mucous membranes.

4. Preparations for inhalation:

   • Bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids: When ammonia solution is used simultaneously with bronchodilators or inhaled corticosteroids, increased irritation of the respiratory tract may occur. Caution is required and a doctor should be consulted before concomitant use.

5. Skin care products:

   • When using ammonia solution with other skin care products (e.g. creams, ointments), reactions associated with increased skin sensitivity are possible. Separate use or consultation with a doctor is recommended.

Special instructions:

• Avoid Combination with Harsh Chemicals: It is not recommended to combine ammonia solution with other strong alkalis or acids to avoid chemical reactions that may cause tissue damage or the formation of harmful substances.
• Consult a doctor: Before using ammonia solution together with other drugs, especially in patients with chronic respiratory diseases or skin diseases, it is recommended to consult a doctor.