Synonyms

Ferroso-ferric Phosphate. Ferri Phosphas.

Common Name

Phosphate of Iron.

Chemical Properties

Formula, Fe3 (PO4)2,. It is prepared by mixing sodium phosphate with sulphate of iron in certain proportions. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed and dried, and rubbed to a powder, which is bluish-gray from exposure to the air, without odor or taste. Soluble in acids, but insoluble in alcohol or water. It is probably this phosphate which is capable of turning blue, which occurs in the lungs in phthisis in bluish pus and expectorations.

Preparation

The pure phosphate of iron is prepared by trituration, as directed under Class VII, American Pharma-copwia.

Physiologico-Chemical Data

Iron is found in the haemoglobin or coloring matter of the red blood corpuscles. According to Dalton, it is not found in such considerable quantities in any of the other tissues of the body except in hair. In a man weighing 65 kilogrammes (165 pounds) there would be 2.82 grammes (44 grains) of iron contained in the entire blood of the body. The organic basis of every cell is albumen. Since albumen contains iron, each cell must likewise contain iron. Iron and its salts have the property of attracting oxygen. The iron of the blood corpuscles takes up the oxygen from the inspired air. This is carried to every cell throughout the organism by means of the mutual reaction of Iron and Kali sulph. A disturbance of the equilibrium of the iron molecules in the muscular fibres causes a relaxation. This, occurriug in the muscular coats of the vessels, causes a dilatation and accumulation of blood in the blood vessels - congestion - blood-pressure being increased, the walls rupture, and hemorrhage results. Again, if the muscular walls of the intestinal villi suffer a relaxation from the disturbed equilibrium of the iron molecules diarrhoea results; when this occurs in the muscular walls of the intestines themselves the peristaltic action of the bowels is weakened and becomes less active.

This causes tendency to constipation. Anything causing a relaxation of the muscular walls of a vessel, and consequent hyperemia, such as an injury, finds its remedy in Ferr. phos., as this remedy in minute doses restores the equilibrium to the iron molecules, thus strengthening the muscular fibres. Through its power of attracting oxygen iron becomes a useful remedy in such diseases of the blood corpuscles as anaemia, chlorosis and leucaemia.

General Action

From the above it is readily seen that Ferr. phos. becomes the first remedy in all cases depending on a relaxed condition of muscular tissue, wherever found; also for an abnormal condition of the blood corpuscles themselves.

If a new supply of iron molecules is given to the relaxed muscle cells, caused by the lack of iron, their normal tonicity is restored, the circular fibres of the vessels contract to normal bounds, with equalizing of the circulation and abatement of the fever.

Its field of action, then, is in all ailments of a hyperaemic or congestive nature, with the usual accompaniments of these conditions, such as pain, heat, swelling and redness, quickened pulse and increased circulation; in a word, all febrile disturbances and inflammations at their onset, especially before exudation commences. Anaemia, want of red blood, etc. Especially useful in debility of children with failing appetite, becoming dull and listless, loss of weight and strength. Ferr. phos. not only improves the strength, but helps to increase the bodily development and regulates the bowels.

This drug is by Schussler supposed to be no longer indicated when exudation or even suppuration takes place; but if adapted to the individual patient it may still be depended upon. Only when it fails to do any more good should it be relinquished.

In many inflammatory and some eruptive fevers, especially in the young and sensitive, seeming to stand midway between the intensity of Acon, and Bellad. and the dulness of Geisem.

Iron is the biochemic remedy for:

1. The first stage of all inflammations.

2. Pains that are worse from motion and better from cold.

3. Hemorrhages caused by hyperaemia.

4. Fresh wounds caused by mechanical injuries.

Guiding Symptoms And Characteristic Indications. Mental Symptoms

Indifference to ordinary matters. Loss of courage and hope, better after sleep. Trifles seem like mountains, annoyed at trifles. Hyperemia of the brain, producing delirium, maniacal mood, mania transitoria. Delirium tremens, very talkative. Dizziness from congestion, consequences of anger.

Head And Scalp

Rush of blood to the head. Headache from a gouty predisposition (Natr. sulph,). Dull, heavy pain on top, during profuse menses, from cold. Bruising, pressing or stitching pain and soreness to the touch. Pain as if a nail were being driven in one side, over the eye. Congestive headaches, hammering pain, worse right side; pressing a cold object against the spot seems to relieve the pain; relieved by nosebleed. Headache with vomiting of undigested food, top of head sensitive to cold air, noise, jar; cannot bear to have the hair touched. Dull right-sided headache from vertex to right supra-orbital region. Ill effects of sun-heat (follow with Calc. phos.). It is the chief remedy in headaches of children, throbbing sensation in the head, red face and suffused eyes; worse from shaking the head, stooping and motion. Blind headache, sick headache, with vomiting of undigested food; vertigo, with rush of blood to the head. Symptoms of meningitis, with drowsiness and heaviness. First stage of eruptions on the scalp; soreness of scalp; sensitive to cold and touch.

Eyes

Suffused eyes. Acute hyperaemia of the conjunctiva. Inflammation of the eyes, with acute pain, without secretion of mucus or pus. Acute conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, with relaxation of conjunctiva and photophobia. Pain in the eyeball, aggravated by moving the eyes. Retinitis. Eyes inflamed, red, with burning sensation, sore and red-looking:, and retinal congestion. Sensation as if grains of sand were under eyelids. Encysted tumor of the lids. Stye on lower lid of right eye. Neuralgia along inner orbit and nose.