Piperazine. Piperazidine. Ethylenimine. Diethylen-diamine. C4H10N2. Trituration. Solution.
Clinical
Glaucoma. Gout. Lead paralysis. Renal colic.
Characteristics
*Piperaz, is a synthetic product which was intended to replace Spermin (C2H5N), and was named Dispermine. It was found, however, to be a different body both in chemical and physiological properties. It occurs in well-defined, colourless, acicular crystals (Helbig), or in lustrous tables (***J. Gordon), is deliquescent and mostly soluble in water. It readily unites with uric acid, forming a very soluble compound (urate of piperazine). When taken by the mouth it is not entirely oxidized, as part is discoverable unchanged in the urine. John Gordon experimented with *Piperaz. and found that a 1 per cent. solution in normal urine at body temperature dissolved to a large extent a fragment of uric acid calculus, and converted undissolved portions to a granular and pulpy condition. The amount of urea is increased in the urine of those taking it, and Helbig (*Modern Materia Medica) says it has been used with success in mental diseases, and in a case of lead paralysis with “very remarkable results.” ***J. R. Hamilton, of Hawick (*Lancet, December 30, 1893), reports success in treating renal colic with *Piperaz., and Walter, of Odessa (quoted ***H. W., xxv. 10), cleared up two cases of glaucoma, giving one grain daily in carbonated water, all the symptoms disappearing within three weeks [After a teaspoonful dose of an effervescing preparation of *Piperaz., a patient complained that he was seized with a bad attack of acute gout, that was quite unexpected (cooper).
Relations
*Compare: Phloriz., Hydrang., Urt. u.