Diphoterine

Diphoterine is a sterile washing solution used for the emergency management of chemical spills to the eyes and body.

Emergency eye-wash containing Diphoterine

Mechanism of action

Diphoterine contains an amphoteric, chelating molecule: a substance which is capable of reacting with both acids and alkalis when applied to either type of chemical spill, stopping the aggressive action of a corrosive or irritant chemical, halting the reaction with the body.

However, it is not fully effective at halting the body's reaction with hydrofluoric acid. This is because hydrofluoric acid is poisonous as well as corrosive. A different solution, Hexafluorine, is required to deal with hydrofluoric acid contamination.

Effectiveness

There's controversy on the efficacy of the Diphoterine. It has been shown efficacy in a study[1] and also in a study on animals.[2] but its has been questioned compared to water wash by medical experts.[3][4]

References
  1. Zack-Williams, S. D., Ahmad, Z., & Moiemen, N. S. (2015). The clinical efficacy of Diphoterine® in the management of cutaneous chemical burns: a 2-year evaluation study. Annals of burns and fire disasters, 28(1), 9–12.
  2. A prospective, randomized, blind comparison between saline, calcium gluconate and diphoterin for washing skin acid injuries in rats: effects on substance P and β-endorphin release
  3. HTIS Canada: Diphoterine for Chemical Burns: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
  4. Brûlures chimiques en milieu de travail : évaluation du risque et prise en charge. Lyon, 2009
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