Sulfozinum (sulfazin) is a pharmaceutical drug that causes a pyrogenic reaction (body temperature elevation)[1][2] and severe pain.
In the Soviet Union, it was used in the pyrogenic treatment of syphilitic encephalitis (mostly in the pre-antibiotics era), various psychiatric conditions,[4][5] and alcoholism.
[3] The American delegation during its visit to the USSR in 1989 confirmed charges of the use of sulfozine injections.
[8] The muscle necrosis, fever, immobility, and severe pain caused by sulfozine, as well as the pattern of its use in 10 persons, suggest that the medication was applied for punitive rather than therapeutic purposes.
[10] In 1989, during Perestroika, its use was restricted only to cases when its prescription was confirmed both by consilium[clarification needed] and by informed consent of the patient or his representatives.