This is the proprietary designation of tetra-iodo-phenol-phtalein, a recent substitute for iodoform. It contains, it is said, 61 per cent of iodine. It occurs as a greenish-yellow powder, is without taste, has no odor, and is entirely insoluble in water. It must, therefore, be prescribed in the form of powder, or suspended in an emulsion, or mixed with ointments. The dose for internal administration ranges from three to six grains, but as it is not irritating nor poisonous it can probably be given in much larger quantity.

As a substitute for iodoform, it is no doubt applicable to the same conditions as that agent, but it contains one third less of iodine, and, although effective as a local anaesthetic and antiseptic, must therefore be somewhat less powerful. It does not cause any local irritation, nor act on the brain, nor produce any of the systemic effects which have followed the free application of iodoform. Nosophen is said to be a powerful antiseptic and germicide, and therefore applicable as a remedy to poisoned wounds, to abscess cavities and sinuses, to the throat and nares in diphtheria, and to chronic catarrhal affections of these parts. It has been employed successfully in otorrhoea. Chancre, gonorrhoea, and specific local diseases are conditions in which it may be highly useful.