The Yellow Mercurous Iodide is usually prescribed in the ready prepared gelatin-coated pills, which may be obtained in almost any size. The 1/3, 1/4, and 1/5 grain are the most popular. An advantage is the facility for increasing or decreasing the dose.

In the treatment of syphilis:

Sig

One before each meal.

In the treatment of congenital syphilis:

M. ft. cht. no. xxx.

Sig

One three times a day.

The mild mercurous chloride is often prescribed in the same dose.

In the treatment of syphilis:

M. ft. sol.

Sig

Begin with five (5) drops as directed.

The patient is usually instructed to take this one hour before or two hours after meals. It is best given in a small amount of water, and a glass of milk taken after. The drops are increased to desired dosage.

In the treatment of syphilis in the tertiary stage:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

In the treatment of syphilis in infants:

M.

Sig

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

In the treatment of anemia:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

This is known under the popular name of Elixir Four Chlorides.

As a postoperative tonic:

M. ft. cap. no. c.

Sig

One after each meal.

Intravenously And Hypodermatically

The corrosive mercuric chloride or the red mercuric iodide are used in solution or salts as the mild chloride or the salicylate are used in suspension. The aseptic ampoules are probably the most desirable form, but the following illustrate some prescriptions used:

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

2 Ibid.

3 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

For intravenous use in the treatment of syphilis:

M.

Sig

Formula. (Poison-label.)

(From 20 to 60 minims well diluted are given daily.)

For hypodermic use in the treatment of syphilis:

M.

Sig

One per cent. solution corrosive mercuric chloride.

(10 to 30 minims are used at each injection.)

By Inunction

Mercurial Ointment is the preparation of choice. It is usually considered too strong to be used undiluted, but the official diluted ointment being made with Petrolatum is not as desirable as the stronger preparation diluted with some agent, as Hydrous Wool Fat. The ointment may be ordered in bulk or put into papers. Paraffine paper is used.

Written instructions should be given the patient as to method of use. The most common is to instruct patients to take a hot bath each night, then apply the given amount of the ointment and massage until absorption is effected. The right axillary region (below the hair) may be used one night, the next night the left, then the inner side of the right thigh, then the left, then the axillary region, etc., in the same order. This will rarely cause local symptoms of an unpleasant character.

Some desirable methods of prescribing are shown in the following:

M. ft. cht. cer. no. xvj.

Sig

Use one each night as directed.

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

2 Ibid.

When economy is a factor this may be ordered, as:

M.

Sig

Use level teaspoonful each night.

Inhalation And Fumigation

In general practice mercury is seldom prescribed in this way. The Mild Mercurous Chloride is the salt usually employed. Separate instructions are given the patient as to bath, use of cabinet or blanket, supply of aqueous vapor, etc.

Locally, In Solutions

The Corrosive Mercuric Chloride is most commonly used. As an antiseptic or germicide it is considered by some as very desirable to prescribe it in, acid solution to retard the formation of the insoluble albuminate. Tartaric Acid is most frequently employed. Tablets are on the market containing enough of the Corrosive Chloride (about 7.3 grains) to make a 1: 1000 solution when 1 tablet is added to a pint of water. They also contain Ammonium Chloride or Tartaric Acid, etc. They are convenient for the practitioner, but they are rather dangerous to be prescribed under ordinary circumstances.

Some desirable formulae are shown in the following:

As a wet dressing:

M.

Sig

Use 1 part to 10 parts of water to wet dressing. (Poison-label.)

In the treatment of tinea versicolor:

M.

Sig

Apply frequently. (Poison-label.)

1 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

As a mouth-wash in the treatment of the mucous patches of syphilis:

M.

Sig

Use as a mouth-wash.

In the treatment of gonorrhea:

M.

Sig

Use as directed. (Not to be taken.)

Patient should be instructed to inject after urination.

In the treatment of the local lesions of diphtheria:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every two hours.

In Dusting Powders

The Mild Mercurous Chloride is the salt most commonly used. It is prescribed alone or with other agents. The following will illustrate:

In the treatment of impetigo,"fever blisters,"etc.:

M.

Sig

Apply three times a day.

In Ointments

The Mild Chloride, Yellow Oxide and Am-moniated Mercury are more frequently employed. When some irritant or decidedly stimulating action is desired (as in the indolent syphilitic lesions) the Ointment of Mercuric Nitrate, properly diluted, is used.