194 INORGANIC AGENTS 



loDoroRMUM. Iodoform. C H I,. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — lodoformiura, P. G.; iodure de formyle, Fr.; jodoform trijodme- 

 than, G. 



Derivation. — Alcohol, potassium carbonate, iodine, and water are heated to- 

 gether. CsH„0-)-2 KHCOa-l-8 I = 2 CHI,-|-2 KI-j-2 COj+S H,0. 



Iodoform contains over 90 per cent, of iodine. 



Properties. — Fine, lemon-yellow, powder or in lustreless crystals of the hexag- 

 onal system; having a peculiar, very penetrating and persistent odor, and an 

 unpleasant and slightly sweetish taste suggestive of iodine. Nearly insoluble in 

 water; soluble in 60 parts of alcohol, and in 7.6 parts of ether. Very soluble in 

 chloroform, benzine, fixed and volatile oils. 



PREPARATIONS. 



Unguentnm lodoformi. Ointment of Iodoform (1-10). (U. S. & B. P.) 



Suppositoria lodoformi. (B. P.) 



(Each containing 3 grs. of iodoform.) 



Action External. — Iodoform is an antiseptic, local anesthetic, stim- 

 ulant, protective, and dessicant agent. While iodoform does not inhibit 

 the growth of germs outside the body — many of the bacteria growing in 

 iodoform itself — it is nevertheless a valuable antiseptic. This result 

 may probably be accounted for by the decomposition of iodoform on 

 moist wounds, with the liberation of iod-albuminates and diioddoacety- 

 lene; by its absorption of exudates on which germs live, and possibly 

 by neutralizing toxins. Iodoform is particularly useful in septic and 

 suppurating wounds. When applied over extensive surfaces, absorption 

 and poisoning may occur. The symptoms of iodoform poisoning are 

 most diverse. 



Symptoms of gastro-intestinal irritation are seen in poisoning in 

 dogs, as vomiting, diarrhea and albuminuria, together with nervous symp- 

 toms, as convulsions, stupor and sleep. The pulse may be very rapid 

 or infrequent; the temperature high or normal. Iodoform is in part 

 absorbed unchanged, but the greater part is transformed into free iodine 

 and iodides in the body. Frohner states the poisonous dose for dogs is 

 15 grs. for each kilo of live weight. One dram will poison a dog weigh- 

 ing ten pounds. ]l/2 ounces have killed a cow. Ecchymoses are found 

 after death on the heart and kidneys, and there is congestion of the 

 meninges. 



The symptoms of poisoning are peculiarly diverse since the effects 

 are due both to iodoform and to iodides and iodine set free in the body. 

 The rapid pulse is due to stimulation of the thyroiS gland by iodine. 

 The mania and delirium characteristic of iodoform poisoning in man 

 are not seen in animals. The application of iodoform to wounds is 

 sometime? followed by an erythematous eruption and fever. Iodine is' 

 eliminated in the urine in iodoform poisonirg and can easily be discov- 

 ered by the starch test. General fatty degeneration of the internal or- 

 gans is found after death. The local dessicant effect of iodoform on 

 raw surfaces assists the antiseptic action, and the local anesthetic prop- 

 erties combine to make iodoform the best antiseptic powder we possess, 

 barring the odor. 



Action Internal. — The internal action of iodofomi possesses no 

 therapeutic value. Care must be observe^ tO prevent animals licking off 

 iodofonu from the surface of the ho^y, 



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