SYRUP OF HYDRIODIC ACID 233 



Properties. — Occurs in colorless, cubical crystals, or as 

 a white, crystalline powder, without odor, and having a 

 bitter, saline taste. Soluble in .6 part of water and in 3 

 parts of alcohol. 



Dose, — Same as potassium iodide. 



Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici. Syrup of Hydriodic Acid. 

 (U. S. P.) 



Contains 1.3 per cent, of H I. 



Derivation. — Potassium iodide, 13 ; potassium hypophos- 

 phite, 1 ; tartaric acid, 12 ; water, 15 ; diluted alcohol and 

 syrup, of each a sufficient quantity to make 1,000. 



Properties. — A colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid, of a 

 sweet, acid taste. 



Dose.—D., 11]_xv.- 3 i. (1.-4.) 



Action External. — Potassium iodide is not absorbed un- 

 less rubbed into the skin with fat, and is not a local irritant, 

 and therefore posseses very little value as an external appli- 

 cation. 



Action Internal. — Potassium iodide and iodine are both 

 described by that unsatisfactory term, alterative. In certain 

 diseases, as in rheumatism, iodine and the iodides alter 

 nutrition and cause absorption of exudates in some unknown 

 manner; hence the term alterative. In addition to this 

 action, potassium iodide forms soluble compounds with the 

 lead and mercury salts, and hastens elimination in poison- 

 ing by these metals. It is often taught that potassium 

 iodide liberates iodine in the tissues, and that the latter 

 forms soluble compounds with albumin, which are then 

 readily eliminated ; thus explaining the effect of potassium 

 iodide in aiding resolution of morbid exudation and inflam- 

 matory thickenings. This action has yet to be definitely 

 determined, and we do not know certainly how either iodine 

 or potassium iodide exert their influence upon nutrition. 

 Potassium iodide is absorbed and eliminated within a few 

 minutes. 



