Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Antimony potassium tartrate, also known as tartar emetic, was historically used in the treatment of syphilis before the discovery of more effective and less toxic medications. Its use dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, a period when antimony compounds were commonly employed for various infectious diseases, including syphilis, owing to their perceived ability to induce salivation and purging, which was erroneously believed to expel disease from the body. There is scant evidence from the period suggesting efficacy, as most reports were anecdotal and lacked the rigor of modern clinical trials. The toxic side effects of antimony compounds, such as severe gastrointestinal distress and potential organ damage, often outweighed any potential benefits. With the advent of arsenical compounds like Salvarsan in the early 20th century, and later penicillin, antimony potassium tartrate fell out of favor and is no longer used for this purpose today. In summary, while there is a traditional basis for its use in syphilis, there is little scientific validation, and this practice is considered obsolete and potentially dangerous by modern standards.

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