Case in which, some days after the omission of the iodide of potassium, which had been given for the treatment of syphilis, there occurred laryngeal oedema with stridor. Eight days later the affection disappeared. P. Heymann (Jour. of Laryngolog,y, Feb., '92).
Atrophy of the maninue and testicles has been observed when iodine or its salts had been administered for a long time. Mental disorders, insomnia, hypo chondriasis, and hysteria have also been noted. Peripheral nervous such as neuralgia, neuritis, etc.—have occasionally been produced. The neural gia is sufficiently severe at times to neces sitate the discontinuance of the remedy. Kiiss states that the menstrual flow may assume an hiemorrhagic form. Rapid emaciation sometimes results from the continued use of iodine or its prepara tions.
Iodism is less likely to occur in chil dren than in adults. The chances of iodism are decreased when the patient is careful to greatly dilute the salt taken.
The absorptive power of potassium iodide and sodium salicylate diminishes as the age of tile patient advances, and this is probably due to the different con dition of tile vascular system existing at different ages. K. L. Jatziita (Inaug. Dissert., No. 12, '90).
Attention drawn to the fact that iodism is of exceptional occurrence in children, and, the younger the patient, the less is the liability to this accident. J. Comby (La Med. Mod., July 10, '95).
Prevention of Iodism—Probably the best remedy we have is Fowler's solution; it in no way seems to interfere with the action of the iodine preparations. From 2 to 4 drops given during meals in water, the iodides being administered after meals in considerable water, most satis factorily serves the purpose. The car bonate of ammonia, the bromides, and belladonna have been extolled by some writers, but these agents are liable to give rise to unpleasant symptoms when ad ministered during a prolonged period. The bromides are especially objection able.
The remedy need not be discontinued when iodism is produced, in the majority of cases. By reducing the dose the un toward effects may be sufficiently miti gated. When the iodides are completely withdrawn, they sometimes cause a re newal of the iodism even more severe than the first attack.
In the treatment of iodism the use of extract of belladonna, 1 to 2 grains, daily recommended in order to avoid the naso-pharyngeal symptoms. Sodium bi
carbonate in dose from 90 to 1S0 grains seems to benefit the general manifesta tions of the poisoning. Sulphanilic acid in from 40 to 60 grains per diem will fix the nitrous acid, which, remaining in a free state, would decompose the iodide. In addition, a diet poor in nitrates—as milk, bread, and meats—should be in sisted upon. For the eruptions, anti sepsis of the skin is important; baths and lotions of lime permanganate (1 to 25,000) are useful. The best method, however, is the preventive. One should always commence with a small dose (7 grains), and gradually increase the amount. Large quantities of milk and even diuretics are prescribed with the drag. Hemorrhage should be treated by ergotine, salivation by potassium chlo rate. CEdema of the glottis may neces sitate tracheotomy. Briquet (La Sem. Med., No. 18, p. 137, '90).
1odism is due wholly to the elimination of iodine by the various mncosce of the body. The decomposition of the iodine salts which precedes this elimination is due to the presence of nitrites in the blood. By using naphthionic acid this decomposition is prevented. Capitain (La Med. Mod., June 4, '9S).
In some cases small doses of iodine pro duce iodism, while in others large doses may be taken without effect. The dos age should be determined by the effect produced upon the diseased process. Many patients appear to have a maxi mum iodine point, and, if more than this is given, iodise occurs. The simultane ous administration of arsenic and bella donna often prevents the appearance of iodism. Lewis S. Somers (Med. News, Sept. 29, 1900).
Belladonna is the best drug to relieve the coryza-like effects of potassium iodide when 5 drops of the tincture are given with each dose of the iodide. Mont gomery (Med. Age, Oct. 25, 1900).
To prevent the occurrence of iodi;ni and hydrargyrism, which temporarily hinder treatment. the writer recom mends the employment of alkaline ben zoate:, preferably benzoate of ammo ninm. It is best given in cachets containing 0.25 gramme (about 3 to 4 grains), of which 4 to S may be given per day. The author suggests that the antiseptic action of the salt and its eliminative action may be the causes of the beneficial effects it produces. Bre tonneau (Annales de 'flier. Dermat. et de Syphil., t. ii, No. 7, 1902).