Iodine

Iodum

Iode, Fr.; Iod, Ger. ; Iodum, Latin.

Iodum

Iodine. In bluish-black crystalline scales, having a metallic luster; very slightly soluble in water (1 in 5,000); soluble in alcohol (1 in 10), in ether, in a solution of iodide of potassium, and in a solution of chloride of sodium. Dose, gr. ss—gr. j.

Iodoformum

Iodoform. In yellow crystals, having a saffron odor. Insoluble in water, but soluble in ether and the fixed and volatile oils. Dose, gr. j—gr. v.

Liquor Iodi Compositus

Compound solution of iodine. Iodine, 5 grm.; iodide of potassium, 10 grm.; distilled water, q. s. to make 100 grm. Dose, τη v—τη xx.

Tinctura Iodi

Tincture of iodine. Iodine, 70 grm.; alcohol, to 1,000 grm. Dose, τη j—τη v.

Unguentum Iodi

Iodine ointment. Iodine, 4 grm.; iodide of potassium, 1 grm.; water, 2 c. c. ; and benzoinated lard, 93 grm.

Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici

Sirup of hydriodic acid. A sirupy liquid, containing about one per cent by weight of absolute hydriodic acid. Dose, 3 ss— 3 ij-

Sidphuris Iodidum

Sulphur iodide. In brittle masses of a crystalline fracture, a grayish-black metallic luster, and having the odor of iodine. Dose, gr. 1/4 to gr. j.

Unguentum Potassii Iodidi

Ointment of potassium iodide. Potassium iodide, 12 grm.; sodium sulphite, 1 grm.; boiling water, 10 c. c; benzoinated lard, 77 grm.

Ammonii Iodidum

Ammonium iodide. A white, granular, very deliquescent salt, becoming yellowish-brown by exposure. Very soluble in water and in alcohol. Dose, gr. ij—gr. x.

Potassii Iodidum

Potassium iodide. In white or transparent crystals, wholly soluble in water at 59° Fahr. in 0·75 part, and in alcohol (1 in 18). Dose, gr. v— 3 j.

Sodii Iodidum

Sodium iodide. In minute crystals, or crystalline powder, deliquescent, having a saline and bitter taste and an alkaline reaction. Soluble in water and in alcohol. Dose, gr. ij—Э j.

Antagonists and Incompatibles

Iodine is incompatible with the mineral acids, the metallic salts, the vegetable alkaloids, etc. The chemical antidote is starch, or substances containing it, as flour. These should be given freely diffused in water. It should be remembered that starch is the antidote to free iodine. As, however, the iodide of starch is not devoid of activity, in cases of poisoning by iodine the contents of the stomach should be evacuated. It is obvious that the preparations of iodine, taken after a meal consisting of amylaceous materials, will have their activity impaired by the formation of the iodide of starch, the acid of the stomach freeing the iodine from its chemical association.

Synergists

Alkalies, and other remedies which increase waste, favor the action of iodine and the iodides. Under some circumstances, mercurials are especially synergistic.

Physiological Actions

Iodine.—When brought into contact with albuminous substances, iodine combines with it and prevents putrefactive change. The vapor of iodine, like chlorine, but in a feebler degree, decomposes sulphureted and phosphureted compounds. It is, therefore, justly ranked among the disinfectants.

Applied to the skin or mucous membrane, iodine, according to the extent of the application, is irritant or caustic. It stains the skin yellow, causes a sensation of warmth in small quantity, or of burning in larger quantity, and excites a superficial inflammation followed by desquamation. In some subjects the application of iodine-paint causes vesication. Pure iodine, kept in contact with the tissues, produces a brown and dry eschar. The vapor of iodine is very irritant to the broncho-pulmonary mucous membrane, causing cough, spasm of the glottis, and increased flow of mucus.

Iodine has a hot, pungent flavor, and excites a sensation of heat or burning in the stomach. In sufficient quantity, it acts as an irritant poison, inflames the raucous membrane of the stomach, and causes superficial eschars. The amount of iodine necessary to produce toxic symptoms varies greatly, and the variation depends in part on constitutional peculiarities, but chiefly on the amount and quality of the food in the stomach. Whether applied to the surface of the skin or taken into the stomach, it quickly diffuses into the blood, and enters into combination with sodium or potassium, or with both.