IODOFORM 377 



parts of alcohol, 80 of glycerin, and feebly soluble in water. It con- 

 tains 97 per cent, of iodine. 



Doses. H. 3 ss — j ; 2. — 4. D. gr. ij — ^viij ; 0.13 — 0.5. 



Preparation. Unguentum lodoformi 10 per cent, in ben- 

 zoinated lard. 



Action. Iodoform is a mild anesthetic to raw surfaces and 

 mucous membranes. Iodoform itself is insoluble and probably in- 

 active. It is also stable outside the body but in the presence of 

 tissues or their extracts, especially diseased tissues and their accom- 

 panying bacteria, it is slowly decomposed, freeing the iodine. This 

 freeing is brought about slowly but is sufficient to be antiseptic and 

 stimulant to the cells; it is therefore very valuable in treating open 

 sores since it promotes healing by stimulating the cells and also by 

 exerting an antiseptic action. It is quite easily absorbed from raw 

 surfaces, appearing in the urine in a short time as the iodide, al- 

 though it is also eliminated to some extent by all other secretions. If 

 absorbed too freely it produces serious symptoms which may become 

 fatal. These symptoms consist of depression, contraction of the pu- 

 pils, nausea and vomiting, very rapid pulse, deliriiim, stupor and 

 coma. Since the iodides or iodine do not produce cerebral symptoms, 

 it is thought that this action is due to the iodoform itself. 



The treatment of poisoning consists in maintaining the strength 

 of the animal and favoring the elimination of the iodoform by injec- 

 tions of salt solutions and alkaline diuretics. Sodium bicarbonate is 

 said to be antidotal to poisoning by iodoform. Vinegar will remove 

 the odor from the hands. 



Uses. Internally. The only place where iodoform has been 

 recommended internally is in pulmonary tuberculosis, and this has 

 practically been abandoned. 



Externally. It is used as a local application to infected wounds. 

 In various ulcers it is very valuable as a dusting powder. In the 

 form of iodoform gauze it is a valuable packing for fistulous tracts, 

 deep wounds, rectal, vaginal and nasal cavities. It may also be 

 injected into these cavities in solution in olive oil or glycerin. 



Williams recommends an Ounce capsule of iodoform, placed di-' 

 rectly into the uterus, for retained afterbirth and metritis of cows. 



Iodoform suppositories may be very serviceable in painful hemor- 

 rhoids or fissure of the anus, serving a twofold purpose, anesthetic and 

 antiseptic. Iodoform collodion makes a very good protectant dress- 

 ing for aseptic wounds. 



It may be used as a dusting powder, applied as the ointment, in 

 solution in oil, collodion, or glycerin, or in combination with boric 

 acid or tannin. 



