The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Science
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2
Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Patent medicines
“Iodex is dark green, practically black. The green color is apparent
when the ointment is rubbed on the skin, but disappears on continued
rubbing. This nonstaining property is explained by the results of a
test for free iodin, made on five specimens, four of which yielded
only minute traces of free iodin, while the fifth yielded none.
Of course, the statements that Iodex is an ‘Effective Free Iodin
Application Without Drawbacks’ and also a means of ‘Really Efficient
External Iodine Therapy Without Stain or Irritation’ contradict each
other. Free iodin cannot be present in a sufficient quantity to be
therapeutically efficient in any application which does not stain or
irritate the skin.
“The total iodin content of the five specimens was found to be 2.63
per cent.--a little over one-half of the content claimed.
“Absorption and excretion experiments were performed to test the
claim that ‘thirty minutes after inunction iodin can be found in the
urine.’ In several subjects, from 1 to 2 gm. of Iodex was rubbed on
the skin of the forearms, and the urine, for periods varying from
seven to seventy-two hours, was collected and tested for iodin. In
all of the tests the results were negative.”
Iodex is advertised as beneficial in muscular soreness, sprains,
sciatica, neuritis, chronic rheumatism, enlarged glands, orchitis,
epididymitis, gout, burns and dermatomycoses. It is also said to be
“Indicated in Glandular Enlargements, Inflammatory Conditions, Various
Joint Diseases, Rheumatism, Skin Diseases, Chilblains, etc., etc.”
To sum up:
1. As shown in the foregoing laboratory report, the composition is
incorrectly stated, for the actual iodin content is only about half of
that claimed.
2. It is not true that the action of Iodex is essentially that of free
iodin, which is the impression conveyed by the advertising.
3. The assertion made in the advertising, that iodin may be found in
the urine shortly after Iodex has been rubbed on the skin, has been
experimentally disproved.
In view of these findings, the Council voted that Iodex be refused
recognition for conflict with Rules 1, 4 and 6.--(_From The Journal
A. M. A., June 19, 1915._)
IODIA
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
The following report on Iodia was adopted by the Council and its
publication authorized.
W. A. Puckner, Secretary.
Iodia is put on the market by Battle and Company, under the claim
that it contains potassium iodid in combination with iron phosphate
and vegetable “principles.” It is extravagantly recommended for use
in many and varied conditions. For instance, it is “an unexcelled
altero-reconstructive,” “almost a specific” in eczema and rheumatism
and “a highly efficient form of iodin,” which will not produce iodism!
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