IODEX AND LIQUID IODEX

The A. M. A. Chemical Laboratory examined Iodex in 1915.[213] The claims made, at that time, by the exploiters, Menley & James, were shown to be contrary to facts in that Iodex contained only traces of free iodin while they claimed “5 per cent. Thera­peutically Free Iodin.” Even the total quantity of iodin was shown to be only about one half of the 5 per cent. claimed to be present as free iodin.

An examination of the advertising matter sent out by Menley & James in 1919 showed that substantially the same claims were being made as in 1915. This at once suggested the inquiry: Since the claims are the same as previously made, have the manufacturers altered the composition to conform to the claims? The answer is found in the results of the analysis of two samples purchased in the open market early in 1919.

This analysis shows conclusively that Iodex is essentially the same as in 1915, that is, that it contains no free iodin and only about three fifths of the total amount of iodin claimed.

It would seem that Iodex (Ung. Iodi., M. & J.) is in obvious conflict with Section 7 of the Food and Drugs Act. While it is sold under a name recognized by the U. S. Pharmacopeia, namely, Ung. Iodi., it does not conform to the standards of the U. S. Pharmacopeia for that product. Iodin ointment U. S. P. is made with 4 per cent. of free iodin, 4 per cent. of potassium iodid, 12 per cent. of glycerin, and a benzoinated lard base. It should then contain approximately 7 per cent. of total iodin. It has been shown by Warren[214] that about 75 per cent. of the iodin in the U. S. P. ointment remains in the free state even after months of standing. Ung. Iodi., U. S. P., then, should contain about 3 per cent. of free iodin. Iodex contains no free iodin, or but traces, and no potassium iodid. Furthermore, the Iodex label declares the presence of 5 per cent. of “thera­peutically free” iodin. As a matter of fact, the amount of iodin is variable, the highest amount found being 3.5 per cent. and samples containing as low as 2.63 per cent. have been examined.

It would seem further that Iodex is misbranded under the Sherley amendment in that it is said that it “may be used externally with advantage in all cases where the action of iodin is desired.” Since it contains no iodin as such this cannot possibly be true. It is also stated in a circular accompanying the trade package that “Thirty minutes after inunction iodin can be found in the urine.” This statement has also been shown to be untrue.—(Annual Reports A. M. A. Chem. Lab., 1915, p. 89.)

Details of Analysis

Iodex.—This is a rather soft ointment, almost black but with a decided greenish cast in thin layers. It is soluble in chloroform but is only partly saponified and dissolved by alcoholic potassium hydroxid. Iodex has a distinct odor like oleic acid.