USES OF POTASSIUM IODIDE 191 



up by the gland. Indeed it is probable that much of the therapeutic 

 effect of iodides on the circulation is attributable indirectly to thyroid 

 action. Thus in arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure, where the drug 

 is commonly used, it is thought to increase the blood flow in the vasa 

 vasorum (vascular dilatation from thyroid action), and also to lessen 

 viscosity of the blood itself. 



Occasionally chronic iodism takes the form of hyperthyroidism with 

 anemia, emaciation, nervousness and tachycardia. 



Iodides increase the fluidity of nasal, pharyngeal and bronchial 

 secretion. 



Supposed elimination of free iodine from the mucous membranes 

 and skin is said to account for irritation of these parts after prolonged 

 and excessive doses (iodism). Like other salts of the alkalies (see 

 sodium chloride) the iodides are diuretics and, in concentration, may cause 

 nausea and vomiting. The iodides are rapidly absorbed and mostly elim- 

 inate as such chiefly by the urine ; but also by mucous membranes, and in 

 milk, sweat, tears, etc. Some 80 per cent is excreted in 24 hours. If the 

 drug is used for a considerable period the dose must be cut down as some 

 of the iodides accumulate in the body. 



Uses Internal. — Potassium iodide is useful in causing absorption of 

 enlarged, lymphatic glands, and its action should be assisted by the appli- 

 cation of iodine or red mercuric iodide externally. Potassium iodide in 

 small doses, diminishes congestion and increases the fluidity and amount 

 of secretion in acute laryngitis, acute and subacute bronchitis, and appears 

 to possess an alterative action in improving the condition and nutrition 

 of the bronchial mucous membranes. It resembles ammonium chloride in 

 the latter respect. It is also of value in bronchial asthma, pulmonary 

 emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, unassociated with copious secretion. 

 Chronic pleuritis, pericarditis, and ascites are treated with potassium 

 iodide, which assists absorption, and occasionally exerts a diuretic effect. 

 Tardy resolution of pneumonic consolidation is hastened by potassium 

 iodide. Endocarditis with cardiac hypertrophy is said to be benefited 

 by potassium iodide and digitalis. 



Champignon, or scirrhus cord of horses, is sometimes cured by the 

 sorbefacient powers of potassium iodide in full doses. Potassium iodide 

 is the best remedy in colloid goitre of dogs, calves and sheep when 

 tincture of iodine is used externally (see p. 193). In regions where the 

 young are born with goiter small doses of iodine or iodides given 

 pregnant animals may prevent such an occurrence. "Roaring" and "thick 

 wind" may be cured by the administration of potassium iodide. Potassium 

 iodide is the drug commonly given for aneurism. Probably it is only of 

 use when this is of syphilitic origin and not in animals. Potassium iodide 

 is the best remedy known for actinomycosis. It should be given to the 

 larger animals in doses of three drams daily, or in the same dose as 

 Lugol's solution, until iodism appears, when the dose may be reduced 

 to one-half this amount and continued two to six weeks. Iodine or 

 Lugol's solution may be used in preference to potassium iodide on ac- 

 count of the great expense of the latter salt. Potassium iodide is one 

 of the many remedies prescribed in chronic rheumatism. Potassium 



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