248 iNOEGAisrio agents 



Properties. — Occurs in colorless, cubical crystals, or as 

 a white, crystalline powder, without odor, and having a 

 bitter, saline taste. Soluble in ,6 part of water and in 3 

 parts of alcohol. 



Dose. — Same as potassium iodide. 



Syetjpus Hydbiodici. Syrup of Hydriodic !A!cid. 

 (U.S. P.) • 



Contains 1.3 per cent, of H I. 



Derivation. — Potassium iodide, 13 ; potassium hypo- 

 phosphite, 1 ; tartaric acid, 12 ; water, 15 ; diluted alcohol 

 and syrup of each a sufficient quantity to make 1,000. 



Properties. — A colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid, of a 

 sweet, acid taste. 



Dose. — D., TTtxv.-o i. (1.-4.) 



Action External. — Potassium iodide is not absorbed un- 

 less rubbed into the skin with fat, and is not a local irritant, 

 and therefore possesses very little value as an external appli- 

 cation. 



Action Internal. — Potassium iodide and iodine are both 

 . described by that unsatisfactory term, alterative. In certain 

 diseases, as in rheumatism, iodine and the iodides alter 

 nutrition and cause absorption of exudates in some unknown 

 manner; hence the term alterative. In addition to this 

 action, potassium iodide forms soluble compounds with the 

 lead and mercury salts, and hastens elimination in poison- 

 ing by these metals, It is often taught that potassium iodide 

 liberates iodine in the tissues, and that the latter forms 

 soluble compounds with albumin, which are then readily 

 eliminated ; thus explaining the effect of potassium iodide in 

 aiding resolution of morbid exudation and inflammatory 

 thickenings. Free iodine is certainly formed in the body as 

 it escapes into the stomach after administration of iodides. 

 Supposed elimination of free iodine from the mucous mem- 

 branes 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 vomit- 

 ing. The iodides are rapidly absorbed and mostly eliminated 

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

 and in milk, sweat, tears, etc. 



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