Eng., Diluted Hydriodic Acid. A colorless liquid containing about 10 per cent. of the absolute acid (HI) and about 90 per cent. of water.

Average Dose

8 minims (0.5 mil).

Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici

Eng., Syrup of Hydriodic Acid. Contains about 1.4 per cent. by weight of the absolute acid (HI). Average Dose.-1 fluidrachm (4 mils).

Therapeutic Action

Alterative, resolvent.

Uses

Extensively employed in the treatment of syphilis, rheumatism, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, interstitial nephritis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, goiter, lead- and mercury- poisoning, hepatic cirrhosis, and after the acute stage in apoplexy, meningitis, etc.

Iodism

The iodides may sometimes produce unpleasant results even when taken in comparatively small amounts. The usual symptoms are: pain in the articulation of the inferior maxilla, coryza, excessive flow of saliva and skin lesions which may assume any one of a variety of forms. A condition characterized by a bullous eruption may occur, though it is, fortunately, rather rare. It is said to usually develop in cardiorenal cases. It is generally fatal and no rational line of treatment seems to have even been suggested. The treatment of iodism consists in discontinuing the drug and favoring elimination. Large doses of sodium bicarbonate have been recommended.

Administration

Potassium Iodide is by far the most largely used; Sodium Iodide would come next. It will be noted that the iodides are colorless crystalline salts, freely soluble in water, and forming clear, colorless solutions. They have a disagreeable taste and a tendency to absorb moisture from the air, so should not be dispensed in powders. They should not be given in capsules, as the action on the gastric mucosa would be undesirable. They should always be prescribed in solution, if for internal use, and administered well diluted. Many prefer that the patient use milk as the diluent, as it seems to reduce to a minimum the disagreeable gastric effects and tends to better disguise the taste. Probably a better plan is to give the dose in water and follow with a glass of milk. The favorite time for administration is two hours after meals, and there seems to be less interference with the gastric function by giving at that time.

An iodide is usually prescribed in solution alone or with iodine or other iodides; an exception to this is the so-called"Mixed Treatment,"when an iodide is prescribed with a mercuric salt, and sometimes with such agents as the Compound Tincture of Cinchona or Aromatic Fluidextract of Cascara.

When the dose of the iodide is to be changed or the drug long continued, the most convenient and economical method is to prescribe it alone in an aqueous solution, a minim of which will represent about a grain of the drug. Too large an amount should not be ordered at any time, as the solution is apt to undergo decomposition and free iodine be liberated.

It should be remembered that the iodides precipitate most alkaloids.

Probably the most common and convenient method of administering an iodide is in the following so-called"saturated solution":

M. ft. sol.

Sig

Begin with five (5) drops as directed.

Among the advantages of this prescription are economy and convenience in changing dose.

Several iodides are sometimes combined, as:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful as directed two hours after meals.

Ammonium Iodide is sometimes used alone or in combination for pulmonary trouble, as in the following for asthma:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful with water three times a day.

Mixed treatment may be prescribed, as:

M. ft. sol.

Sig

Begin with five (5) drops as directed.

Mixed treatment with a bitter tonic is often considered desirable:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful with water before meals.

Or mixed treatment with a laxative:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water two hours after meals.

In the treatment of syphilis in infants:

M.

Sig

Five (5) drops in milk three times a day.

In the treatment of syphilis in the tertiary stage:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

In the treatment of syphilis:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful well diluted four times daily.

In the treatment of conditions attended with high blood-pressure, as arteriosclerosis:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful with milk two hours after meals.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

2 Ibid.

3 White and Martin: Genito-urinary and Venereal Diseases.

As an application to the mucous membranes:

M.

Sig

Apply as directed.