Ichthyolum.
Ammonium Ichthyol Sulphonate. C28 H36
S3 O6 (NH4)2.
The most important of the salts of ichthyosulphonic acid, prepared from a bituminous mineral
of Tyrol, which is rich in fossilised remains of fish. A clear, reddish-brown viscid liquid.
Solution.Clinical.─
Arthritis. Gonorrhœa. Neuralgia.
Phthisis. Pruritus vulvæ. Rheumatism. Skin, affections of.
Characteristics.─
This is an unproved remedy which
has been used in old-school therapeutics as an external application, and internally in skin
affections, rheumatism, scrofula, nephritis, and gonorrhœa. It is a powerful antiseptic. As
an external application to rheumatic joints it has achieved marked results. A solution of
equal parts of Ichthyol and water is warmed and applied
to the affected joint on calico and covered with heated cloths, outside of which is an
impervious fabric to prevent evaporation. Pure Ichthyol
or an ointment of Lanoline and Ichthyol
maybe used instead. Gouty joints have also been benefited. Ichthyol
appears to act by virtue of its power of allaying pain and inflammation, but there can be no
doubt that a thorough proving would bring out a specific relationship to the maladies in
which it has been used with success. Scarpa claims to have used it with excellent effect in
a large number of cases of phthisis.
Relations.─
Ichth. belongs to the Petroleum class
of remedies. Compare also Calc. caust. (lime-water compresses to allay inflammation); Sulph.
Plantago (anodyne application); Carbol. ac.® 2000
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