Sodium Sulpho-ichthyolas. C26 H36 S3 Na2 O6

A tarry-looking product from a brownish bitumous mineral, having animal residues of fish, etc, found in Seefeld, in Tyrol. Purified by distillation and treatment with sulphuric acid, then neutralised by ammonia (the better way) or by soda. It has a herb-like odour, is faintly alkaline, and contains 10 % sulphur as a sulpho-acid.

Therapeutics. Antiseptic: for eczema and other skin diseases, rheumatism, etc. Strength, an ointment of fossiline or vaseline, with 50 % (or for children 10 %) of ichthyol. Its use increased in Germany in 1890.

Lithium sulpho-ichthyol. Internally, dose 5 to 20 grains.

Zinc sulpho-ichthyol. Externally in skin disease.