230 IRON. 



IRON. 



Iron (Fe = 55-5) is found widely distributed in nature, but its principal native 

 form is that of the oxide. It is an important constituent of the blood and other animal 

 tissues, and of many vegetable substances. 



Pharmacodynamics. 



Central Nervous System. No direct action known. 



Muscular System, No direct action known. 



Respiration. No direct action known. 



Heart. No direct action known. 



Blood-pressure. No direct action known. 



Alimentary Tract. Mildly irritant. 



Secretory Glands. No action. 



Metabolism. Iron must exert some profound influence, inasmuch as a deficiency 

 of this element is accompanied by very grave symptoms ; but the mechanics of its 

 action is quite unknown, except for the physiology of hematin as an oxygen carrier. 



Temperature. No action. 



Absorption. Iron is slowly absorbed in minute quantities, either in metallic form 

 or in solution. It is taken up by the epithelium of the duodenum, carried thence to 

 the spleen, then to the liver, where it is utilized slowly by the blood. 



Excretion takes place through the caecum and colon. 



Local Action. None. 



Symptoms. 



Therapeutic Doses. Large Doses. 



Astringent metallic taste. Gastric uneasiness. 



, Nausea and vomiting. 



Prolonged Use. Intestinal irritation. 



Some dyspepsia. Fullness in the head. 



Constipation. 

 Blackening of the teeth. 

 Hyperacidity of the stomach. 



Therapeutics. 







Iron is a specific in a large proportion of cases of chlorosis. 



Of all the official preparations of iron two only need be mentioned, the carbonate 

 and the citrate. 



Dosage. 



Pilulse Ferri Carbonatis, i pill = 0.06 Gm. 

 Ferri Citras, 0.12 to 0.3 Gm. 



NOTE. Because of its deleterious influence on the teeth, Tinctura Ferri Chloridi ought to be 

 proscribed, never prescribed. 



