250 • INOBGANIC AGENTS 



slum iodide is not. The known physiological action of 

 potassium iodide and iodine does not explain their medi- 

 cinal uses. In combating certain diseases, in an inexplic- 

 able manner, they are known as alteratives. In man, iodine 

 is superior to potassium iodide in the treatment of scrofula. 

 In the horse, iodine is considered of more -value in the 

 treatment of diabetes insipidus; while in both man and 

 the lower animals, potassium iodide is regarded as more 

 valuable in chronic rheumatism. In subacute rheumatism, 

 one prescribes equal parts of sodium salicylate and iodide. 

 The action of iodine in benefiting local disorders, when 

 applied externally, is due to its counter irritant effect, rather 

 than to absorption. 



Administration. — Potassium iodide is given in solution. 

 Sodium iodide and syrup of hydriodic acid are simply sub- 

 stitutes for potassium iodide. 



lODOFOKMUM. Iodoform. C H I3, (U. S. & B. P.) 



Derivation. — Alcohol, potassium carbonate, iodine, and 

 water are heated together. C^H.O + 2 KHCO3 4-81 = 2 

 CHI3 + 2 KI + 2 CO, -f 3 H,0. 



Iodoform contains over 90 per cent, of iodine. 



Properties. — Small, lemon-yellow, lustreless crystals of 

 the hexagonal system ; having a peculiar and very penetrat- 

 ing persistent odor, somewhat resembling that of saffron 

 and iodine, and an unpleasant and slightly sweetish and 

 iodine-like taste. Very slightly soluble in water ; soluble in 

 52 parts of alcohol, and in 5.2 parts of ether. Very soluble 

 in chloroform, benzine, fixed and volatile oils. 



PREPARTIONS. 



Unguentum 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 anaes- 

 thetic, stimulant, 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 



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