Most preparations of iron are astringent in their action, some such as the sulphate and perchloride being more so than others; these are, therefore, useful in diarrhœa and in bleeding from the gums and bowel. Iron by its astringent action may cause constipation, and it may be necessary to add a small amount of an aperient, such as Epsom salts, to each dose.
The following preparations are those generally used:—
Tincture or perchloride of iron, or tincture of steel.—Dose, five to fifteen drops in at least an ounce of water. Good blood tonic. Is very astringent, and is therefore useful in internal bleeding and looseness of the bowels. It is of value in erysipelas.
Sulphate of iron.—Dose, one to three grains. Is a powerful astringent and blood tonic, and often does good in checking the looseness of the bowels which remains after an attack of dysentery.
Iron pill or Blaud’s pill.—Dose, five to fifteen grains. Is one of the best tonic preparations of iron, as it is not very astringent. It is put up in tablet form.
Solution of dialysed iron.—Dose, ten to thirty drops. Is a good blood tonic, and, unlike most preparations, is not astringent.
Parrish’s food.—Dose, thirty to a hundred and twenty drops in water. Is a good preparation of iron for children.
Iron and arsenic compound tablets.—A useful tonic in convalescence from malaria, one taken three times a day after meals.
Mercurial ointment forms a useful application in certain skin diseases. As it is rather strong, it should be diluted with two parts of vaseline.