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 fossilized remains of fish. A clear, reddish-brown viscid liquid. Solution.
Clinical
Arthritis. Gonorrhoea. Neuralgia. Phthisis. Pruritus vulvae. 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 gonorrhoea. 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 may be 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: Calcarea Causticum (Lime-water compresses to allay inflammations), Sulphur, Plantago (anodyne application), Carbol- ac.
