AMMONII lODIDUM — AMMONIUM IODIDE 381 



It is reported to be also efficacious in botryomycosis, in which condi- 

 tion it is administered the same as in actinomycosis. 



2. In acute and chronic rheumatism,. Iodide of potash is often 

 very serviceable in either of these forms of rheumatism. Its action 

 cannot be explained and it seems to be more effective in the chronic 

 variety. 



3. As an expectorant in chronic bronchitis and laryngitis, when 

 the secretions are viscid. This action is believed to be due to reflex 

 effect. It is very useful in bronchial asthma, probably due to its 

 expectorant action. 



4. Absorbent for hyperplastic fibrous tissues, as glandular swell- 

 ings, and chronic inflammatory swellings. It may cure fibrous goiter 

 by causing a disappearance of the fibrous tissue and may be of service 

 in removing colloid goiters. 



5. To remove serous effusions. It is generally held that potas- 

 sium iodide will aid in the absorption of effusion into the pericardium 

 and pleura, but this is of doubtful value. 



6. Antidote to chronic metallic poisoning. The iodides are par- 

 ticularly serviceable in chronic lead and mercury poisoning, by has- 

 tening their excretion. There is some doubt of their efficacy in these 

 conditions. 



1. In arteriosclerosis and aneurism or any condition of high blood 

 pressure, due probably to a decrease in the viscosity of the blood, and 

 an increase in the activity of the thyroid. 



8. Alterative. The drug has been recommended as an alterative 

 in various conditions in which its true value is unknown. 



Administration. Since there is a wide variation in susceptibil- 

 ity to the drug and idiosyncrasies are common, the initial dose should 

 be small and the doses gradually increased as the tolerance permits. 



SODII lODIDUM — SODIUM IODIDE 



This occurs as colorless, cubical crystals, or white crystalline pow- 

 der, of a bitter, saline taste. It is unstable in the air as it decom- 

 poses into sodium carbonate and free iodine. It is soluble in 0.5 

 part of water and 3 of alcohol. 



Doses. Same as for the potassium salt. 



It has the same range of therapeutic uses as the previous salt, but 

 may be less irritating to the stomach. 



AMMONII lODIDUM — AMMONIUM IODIDE 



Ammonitim iodide occurs as small, colorless, cubical crystals, or 

 white powder, of strong saline taste ; it attracts water upon exposure 

 to the air, and becomes a yellowish brovm color on account of the free 

 iodine. It is soluble in 0.6 part of water and 9 of alcohol. 



