Eng., Solution of Iron and Ammonium Acetate. Synonym, Basham's Mixture. Average Dose.-4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

Unofficial Preparations.

Compound Glycerophosphates in the form of the syrup, elixir or solution (without sugar) have about the same formula as the Compound Syrup of Hypophosphites (see p. 30) except that the glycerophosphates instead of the hypophosphites are used. They seem to be excellent pharmaceutical products. The preparation without sugar is particularly popular.

Average Dose

1 fluidrachm (4 mils).

Elixir Ferri, Quininae Et Strychninae Phosphatum

Eng., Elixir of the Phosphates of Iron, Quinine, and Strychnine. Synonym, Elixir of I. Q. and S. Each fluidounce represents, about, Iron Phosphate 8 grains, Quinine 4 grains, Strychnine 1/8 grain.

Average Dose

1 fluidounce (4 mils).

This was official in the previous Pharmacopeia and is one of the most extensively used preparations in medicine.

Liquor Ferri Peptonati Cum Mangano

Eng., Solution of Peptone of Iron with Manganese.

A National Formulary preparation frequently prescribed.

Average Dose

2 fluidrachms (8 mils).

Therapeutic Action

Tonic, hematinic. The iodide is also alterative and the chloride, sulphate and some others are astringent and styptic. Most of the solutions of iron are antiseptic or disinfectant.

Uses

Internally the preparations of iron are employed in the treatment of anemia, chlorosis, malaria, amenorrhea, erysipelas and many other conditions. Locally, they are used for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, diphtheria, epistaxis, gastric ulcer, etc.

Administration

The medicinal use of the preparations of Iron are confined almost altogether to administration by mouth. They are usually either given alone or associated only with the salts of metals or alkaloids. Administration may be either in solid form or in solution.

The greatest care should be used to protect the patient's teeth, particularly in administering the syrup of the iodide or the tincture of the chloride. These should not be given for an extended period of time. Probably the safest way to protect the teeth is to have the patient take the medicine, well diluted with water, through a glass tube extending well back into the mouth, and then clean the mouth and teeth with a solution of sodium bicarbonate.

Solid Form

Where comparatively large amounts of iron are to be given, or the use continued for an extended time, this is usually the most desirable form on account of the action of iron on the teeth and the unpleasant taste of most of the liquid preparations. Reduced Iron, the Exsiccated Ferrous Sulphate, the Mass of Ferrous Carbonate, Pills of Ferrous Carbonate and the Pills of Ferrous Iodide are employed, but the latter are particularly apt to deteriorate with age, and they are so infrequently used that it is usually hard to find a fresh stock on the shelves of the average pharmacy.

It should be remembered that the Mass of Ferrous Carbonate is a soft solid; so, while it can be dispensed in capsules alone or with other agents, it will first have to be made into pill form.

The Pills of Ferrous Carbonate are on the market in all sizes, from about 2 to 5 grains. The"5-grain"pill, which contains about 1 grain of the Ferrous Carbonate, is the official pill and is what is dispensed unless some other size is specified. It has been claimed that these pills soon become insoluble if kept, but this does not seem to be the case if they are well made.

In the treatment of chlorosis:

Sig

Two after each meal.

This is the most economical way of administering Ferrous Carbonate.

In the treatment of chlorosis, etc.:

M. ft. cap. no. l.

Sig

One after each meal.

Strychnine, arsenic, etc., may also be ordered in this. This forms the fresh carbonate and liberates water of crystallization, producing a moist mixture, which has to be made into a mass before putting into capsules.

In the treatment of anemia:

M. ft. cap. no. xxiv.

Sig

One after each meal.

The idea here is to have the fresh Ferrous Carbonate formed in the stomach.

In the treatment of amenorrhea (to be used 6 days preceding expected period):

M. ft. cap. no. xij.

Sig

One morning and evening.

In the treatment of chlorosis associated with constipation:

M. ft. cap. no. xx. Sig.-One at bedtime.

As a tonic, particularly in the treatment of malaria:

M. ft. cap. no. l.

Sig

One after each meal.

Massa Ferri Carbonatis in four-grain doses may be used instead of the Ferrum Reductum.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

2 Shoemaker: Materia Medica and Therapeutics. 3 Ibid.

In the treatment of neurasthenia, hysteria, etc.:

M. ft. cap. no. xx.

Sig

One after each meal.

In the treatment of goiter:

M. ft. cap. no. xxiv.

Sig

One after each meal.

As a postoperative tonic:

M. ft. cap. no. c.

Sig

One after each meal.

In Solution

Care should be used to protect the teeth, as previously outlined.

The Tincture of Ferric Chloride, the Syrup of Ferrous Iodide, the Elixir of Iron, Quinine and Strychnine and the Compound Syrup of Hypophosphites are the preparations most frequently employed.

The Syrup of Ferrous Iodide is usually prescribed alone. It is the most alterative preparation of iron. It is damaging to the teeth, is apt to produce iodism, and altogether is so undesirable that it seems that its use should be discouraged. Probably the safest way to administer the drug is to order the patient to put the desired number of drops in a capsule just before taking.