IODOPHENIN. — Iodophenin, or iodo phenacetin, is a reaction-product of phe nacetin in hydrochloric acid and iodine in potassium iodide. It contains 25 per cent. iodine. It occurs in black crystals, having an iodine odor and a burning taste. It is soluble in al cohol and in water with the liberation of iodine. It is antiseptic in action and in solution acts like iodine solution. It is used externally like iodine, and as a substitute for iodoform.
Iodophenin employed in the treatment of purulent and infectious wounds and it was found that it equals corrosive sub limate and iodoform; however, since iodine is so easily liberated, the direct application of it is contra-indicated in fresh wounds. Ichorous ulcers of the leg became dry and aseptic after the second dressing of iodophenin in powder or glycerinated emulsion on cotton, and iodoform then accomplished a prompt cure.
As it exerts a slightly-caustic action on the granulations, after the wounds have become clean under its use it should be replaced by iodoform. Iodophenin is also serviceable after the extirpation of ganglia as well as after major surgical operations (resections, etc.) to prevent decomposition of secretions in contact with bandages. It is preferable not to sprinkle the wounds directly, but to use it between the layers of the cotton dress ing, which may be left in place for two to three weeks without becoming pu trid, even in cases of very abundant se cretion from non-aseptic wounds. Schul ler (Wiener med. Presse, Jan. 14, '94).
LACTOPHENIN.—Lactophenin, or lac tyl-phenetidin, is a derivative of phe netidin with lactic acid. It occurs as a white powder, sparingly soluble in water. Lactophenin has antipyretic, antineural gic, analgesic, and hypnotic powers. In
some cases it gives rise to diaphoresis and slight vertigo; sometimes it causes a sense of heat and weight in the epi gastrium, but it does not continue long. Cases have been reported in which a rash appeared after the administration of the drug. Lactophenin has been given in pneumonia, influenza, erysip elas, scarlatina, acute tuberculosis ac companied by fever, and in septicmia. Eight to 15 grains produces a decided, but gradual, fall of temperature, which persists for several hours. Lactophenin quiets delirium. Roth found it bene ficial in acute rheumatism. It has been used with success in some cases of chorea and in the pains of locomotor ataxia.
Lactophenin acts precisely like phe nacetin when both are given in 9 grain doses, but grains of lacto phenin produce a decidedly hypnotic effect. Landowski (Lancet, Apr. 21, '94).
Catarrhal jaundice following the use of lactophenin and apparently due to the drug as seen in three instances. In each case the drug was being administered for neuralgia and a dose of I5 '/, grains was being taken four times per diem, the length of time before the jaundice appeared varying from fourteen to twenty-one days from the commence ment of the treatment. The jaundice appeared to be of the ordinary catarrhal type, the stools being white and the urine bilious. Strauss (Therap. Monats., Sept., '95).
It is questioned whether the remark able remissions in temperature produced by lactophenin are not in reality due to a state of collapse. F. Kolbl (Wiener med. Presse, Oct. 20, '95).