Functional Category
Antioxidant.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate is a water-soluble antioxidant and is generally used as the dihydrate. It is used in the formulation of injection products at a level of up to 0.1% w/v in the final preparation administered to the patient.
Description
When freshly prepared, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate occurs as white, odorless crystals, which quickly develop a characteristic garlic odor on standing.
Stability and Storage Conditions
Store in well-closed, light-resistant containers at controlled room temperature (15–30 C).
Incompatibilities
Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents; it is decomposed by dilute acid.
Safety
The toxicological properties of sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate have not been fully investigated. However, it is used in the formulation of injection products at a level to 0.1% w/v in the final preparation administered to the patient. Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate is moderately toxic by ingestion, and when heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of sulfur dioxide and sodium oxide.(1) LD50 (mouse, oral): 4 g/kg(1,2) LD50 (rat, IP): >2 g/kg(2) LD50 (rat, oral): >2 g/kg(2)