(Not Official.)

Latin, Ichthyol (Gen., Ichthyolis)

Eng., Ichthyol (Ammonium Ichthyosulphonate).

Form

A thick, brown liquid.

Odor

Bituminous, disagreeable.

Solubility

Readily soluble in water or glycerin.

Incompatibles

Acids, alkali hydroxides or carbonates, alkaloids, potassium iodide, mercury bichloride, resorcin.

Therapeutic Action

Said to be antiphlogistic, anodyne, alterative, antigonorrheal, antiseptic.

Uses

Recommended for phthisis, rheumatism, scrofula, nephritis, gonorrhea, inflammations and various skin diseases.

Administration

While ichthyol is recommended for internal administration, by far the most common employment is local. It is used in ointments or in solution in water or glycerin. It mixes readily with the usual ointment bases.

To disguise the odor in ointments, use 1 drop each of the Oil of Bergamot and Oil of Eucalyptus to each drachm of Ichthyol. One drop of Oil of Citronella to the drachm of Ichthyol is frequently employed. Some also add 1 drop of Oil of Rose in addition to the Oil of Citronella.

In prescribing less than two fluidrachms of Ichthyol, it is advisable to prescribe by weight, as small quantities are not conveniently measured.

Some combinations are shown in the following: As an application on vaginal tampons:

M.

Sig

For office use.

In the treatment of furuncle:

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Apply as directed.

In the treatment of mastitis, orchitis, lymphadenitis, etc.:

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Apply twice a day.