Argyrol – Classic Eye Treatment Now Discontinued

Argyrol has a history as a silver protein antiseptic that first appeared in 1901. Barnes and Hille Chemists Company introduced the eye drops. Albert Barnes, an American physician and art collector invented Argyrol. It treated conjunctivitis, ophthalmia neonatorum, and gonorrheal ophthalmia. It also treated otitis media, genitourinary infections, and inflammations.

This writer had a history with Argyrol. My grandfather was an optometrist in Abilene, Texas. In the 1950s, he had all of us use it for virtually any eye irritation. You needed to hold tissue next to your eye to keep the black liquid from staining your skin or clothing.

The Name

The name Argyrol comes from the Greek word “argyros”, which means “silver”. The name reflects the fact that Argyrol is a silver protein solution.

Argyrol was a popular and profitable product, treating a several eye conditions. Barnes devoted much of his financial windfall to accumulating art and eventually placing it in a museum.

Argyrol’s popularity began to decline in the 1950s, as newer antibiotics came on the market. However, it still continues in some countries.

Timeline

Here are some of the key events in the story of Argyrol:

1901: Argyrol becomes commercially available.
1903: Albert Barnes presents a paper at the Tri-State Medical Society, in which he says Argyrol successfully treats conjunctivitis, ophthalmia neonatorum, gonorrheal ophthalmia, otitis media, genitourinary infections and inflammations, and urethritis.
1950s: Argyrol’s popularity begins to decline as newer antibiotics appear.

Ownership of the Brand

Here is a timeline of the ownership of the brand name Argyrol:

1901: Albert Barnes invents Argyrol and registers the brand name.
1928: Barnes sells the brand name to Zonite Products.
1950: Zonite Products joins Sterling Drug.
1970s: Sterling Drug discontinues marketing Argyrol.
1970s: The brand name Argyrol reverts to Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.
1990s: Glenmark discontinues marketing Argyrol.
2014: The brand name Argyrol goes to Akorn, Inc.

Newer Products

Here are the brand names and companies that produce some of the newer products that have replaced Argyrol:

Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) is a product of The Medicines Company.
Polymyxin B is a product of Hospira, Inc.
Neomycin is a product of a number of companies, including Akorn, Inc., Bausch & Lomb, and Allergan.
Tobramycin is a product of a number of companies, including Alcon, Inc., Akorn, Inc., and Bausch & Lomb.

In addition to these products, there are a number of other brands and companies that produce newer and more effective treatments for the conditions that Argyrol once treated. For example, ophthalmic ointments containing steroids sell under the brand names Pred Forte, Lotemax, and Alrex. Antibiotic ear drops sell under the brand names Polysporin, Otomize, and Otibiotic.

In addition to these newer antibiotics, there are also a number of other products that treat the conditions that Argyrol was once used to treat. For example, ophthalmic ointments containing steroids can treat conjunctivitis, and antibiotic ear drops can be used to treat otitis media.

Safety Concerns

The safety of Argyrol has been debated for many years. Some people believe that it is a safe and effective antiseptic, while others believe that it can have harmful side effects.

Argyrol is a silver protein solution, which means that it contains silver particles that are suspended in a liquid. Silver is a naturally occurring element that has antimicrobial properties. However, silver can also be toxic, and it can build up in the body over time.

There have been some reports of serious side effects associated with Argyrol, including kidney damage, argyria (a condition that causes the skin to turn blue-gray), and neurological problems. However, it is important to note that these side effects are rare, and they are more likely to occur in people who use Argyrol for long periods of time.

The FDA has not approved Argyrol for use in the United States, and it is not available over-the-counter. However, it is still available in some countries, and it may be prescribed by a doctor in certain cases.

Here are some of the potential side effects of Argyrol:

Kidney damage
Argyria
Neurological problems
Allergic reactions
Eye irritation
Skin irritation