Ichthyolum

Ammonium Ichthyol Sulphonate. C 28 H 36 S 3 O 6 (NH 4 ) 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.