Ferric subsulfate solution is a styptic or haemostatic agent used after superficial skin biopsies. Ferric subsulfate solution is also known as Basic Ferric Sulfate Solution or Monsel's Solution. It has a recognised formula published in United States Pharmacopeia

United States Pharmacopeia

The United States Pharmacopeia is the official pharmacopeia of the United States, published dually with the National Formulary as the USP-NF. The United States Pharmacopeial Convention is the nonprofit organization that owns the trademark and copyright to the USP-NF and publishes it every year...

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Active ingredients

Ferric subsulfate solution is prepared from ferrous sulfate

Iron(II) sulfate

Iron sulfate or ferrous sulfate is the chemical compound with the formula FeSO4. Known since ancient times as copperas and as green vitriol, the blue-green heptahydrate is the most common form of this material...

, sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid is a strong mineral acid with the molecular formula . Its historical name is oil of vitriol. Pure sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive, colorless, viscous liquid. The salts of sulfuric acid are called sulfates...

 and nitric acid

Nitric acid

Nitric acid , also known as aqua fortis and spirit of nitre, is a highly corrosive and toxic strong acid.Colorless when pure, older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to the accumulation of oxides of nitrogen. If the solution contains more than 86% nitric acid, it is referred to as fuming...

.

It contains, in each 100 mL, basic ferric sulfate equivalent to not less than 20g and not more than 22g of iron.

Storage

Ferric subsulfate solution should be stored in airtight containers at a temperature above 22 degrees Celsius. Crystallisation may occur at temperatures below 22 degrees. Warming the solution may redissolve the crystals. The solution should be protected from light.

Brandnames

AstrinGyn by CooperSurgical is a thickened and specially modified gel formulation.