ICHTHYOL — ICHTHARGAN 



* ICHTHYOL 



This is a mixture of sulphur compounds obtained by the distil- 

 lation of a bituminous shale rich in fossil remains of fishes, hence 

 the name, found in Tyrol. It occurs as a thick, dark liquid, of a 

 bituminous odor and taste. It is soluble in water and in mixtures of 

 alcohol and ether, miscible with oils and glycerin in all proportions, 

 but is almost insoluble in strong alcohol and ether.' It contains 

 from 10 to 15 per cent, of sulphur, to which its effects are probably 

 largely due. 



Doses. H. § ij ; 60. D. 3 j ; 4. Daily. In capsules or pills. 



Action. It is slightly irritant if applied in concentration and 

 is readily absorbed through the unbroken skin if massaged fairly 

 well. It is also antiseptic. Its method of action is in dispute. In- 

 ternally large doses cause gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea. 



Therapeutics. 1. Skin diseases. Here it resembles sulphur 

 in action and uses. It is very serviceable in eczema aad mange, in 

 ointments from 5 to 25 per cent, in strength. 



2. Eesolvent. It is reported as very efficient in reducing swollen 

 glands and joints. Use same strength preparation as above. 



3. As a dressing for bums, sprains, bruises and wounds. 



4. Internally. Ichthyol has been recommended in dog distem- 

 per, in purpura, etc., but its claims are probably exaggerated. 



* ICHTHALBIN 



Ichthalbin is a combination of ichthyol with albumin. It occurs 

 as a brownish, odorless, tasteless powder. 



Doses. Dog gr. iij — ^v; 0.18 — 0.3. 



Therapeutics. Recommended as a substitute for ichthyol for 

 both external and internal use, on account of the disagreeable odor 

 and taste of the latter drug. 



* ICHTHOPORM 



This is a condensation product of ichthyol and formaldehyde. It 

 has been advanced as a substitute for ichthyol, but although odorless, 

 is generally less serviceable. 



* ICHTHARGAN 



This is a combination of ichthyol and silver, containing 30 per 

 cent, of metallic silver in organic chemical combination. It occurs 

 as a brown amorphous powder, of faint chocolate odor, freely soluble 

 * UnofBcial. 



