2. The action of Iodex is not essentially that of free iodin, although that is the impression conveyed by the advertising.
3. The assertion that iodin may be found in the urine shortly after Iodex has been rubbed on the skin has been experimentally disproved.
At the time the laboratory reported its findings, it pointed out the obvious contradiction in the claim that Iodex is not only an “effective free iodine application without drawbacks” but also a means of “really efficient external iodine therapy without stain or irritation.” It is impossible to have free iodin present in sufficient quantities to be therapeutically efficient and not get skin stains and irritation.
In a recent issue of the house organ, Pharmacal Advance, there was a large display advertisement of Iodex under the heading: “For prophylaxis and to ‘Double Cross’ Disease,” with the claims:
“Free Iodine.”
“Rub Through Skin.”
“Does Not Irritate nor Stain.”
On other pages of the same issue these claims appeared:
“There is no therapeutic virtue in Iodex which is not inherent—though often latent—in Free Iodine; and there is no virtue in Free Iodine which is not available in Iodex.”
“In Iodex all the beneficent properties of Iodine are emphasized and all its disadvantages are eliminated—in a word, Iodex is Pure Free Iodine presented therapeutically active and efficient, ready for use in all conditions, with all the well-known powers of Free Iodine, but without the sequelæ of unpleasant effects, as irritation, corrosion, desquamation, staining, etc., which defeat the ends of treatment when ordinary preparations of Iodine are used. The fact that Free Iodine in the form of Iodex can now be used in rectal and vaginal treatment, without irritation, speaks volumes for its penetrability and bland action.”
These quotations are sufficient to show that the manufacturers of Iodex still persist in their claim that the product contains free iodin. In view of this, the A. M. A. Chemical Laboratory has again examined Iodex, having recently purchased specimens on the open market. It reports that Iodex gives no test for free iodin, or at most, but minute traces.
An interesting side-light on the methods of Menley and James is also brought out in the issue of Pharmacal Advance just quoted. Under a “department” misnamed “Book Reviews” the following appears: