Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
A report which appears below was sent Charles L. Heffner for consideration. No reply having been received, the Council authorized its publication.
W. A. Puckner, Secretary.
Iodiphos, marketed by Charles L. Heffner, Brooklyn, N. Y., is declared to contain ferric citro-iodine, 6 grains; calcium glycerophosphate, 8 grains; sodium glycerophosphate, 8 grains, and hypophosphorous acid, 2 minims in each fluidounce, and to present “the Metallic and Non-Metallic elements: Iron, Iodine, Phosphorous, Calcium and Sodium (each in separate Basic combination).”
According to the label, Iodiphos is “Alterative, Tonic, Nervine and Anti-tubercular” and is “For Treatment of BLOOD, NERVES and PULMONARY ORGANS.” An advertising circular[129] asserts that “Iodiphos exerts its Physiological action rapidly in hardening of the Arteries, High Blood Pressure, Anaemia, Glandular Swelling, Neurasthenia, Hypochondria, Phthisis, Bronchitis, Asthma, Pneumonia and as an Intestinal Antiseptic and Appetizer,” and declares it to be “Indispensable as a Tonic and Restorative.”
In the advertising circular it is averred that in the production of Iodiphos “Chemistry Again Aids the Modern Physician.” Iodiphos is another instance when a decadent polypharmacy proposes haphazard medication and so obstructs the efforts of modern medicine to establish the use of single drugs to meet definite indications.
Iodiphos is inadmissible to New and Nonofficial Remedies because it is an irrational mixture of drugs sold with therapeutic claims that are unwarranted, and under a name which is not descriptive of its composition.—(From Reports of Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry, 1919, p. 81.)