Iodoform

Absorption

Iodoform is reported to be absorbed through denuded skin, wounds or mucous membranes [L2646].

Toxicity

Systemic intoxication and severe poisoning, mostly characterized by dermatitis, headache, somnolence, delirium, hallucinations, consciousness disturbances, coma, vomiting, CNS depression, tachycardia, and rapid feeble pulse, may result from excess absorption through wounds and abscesses, or ingestion of large quantities [L2646]. While there is no known antidote for iodoform overdose, supportive and symptomatic treatment is highly recommended [L2646].
Hepatocellular damage has been observed with iodoform toxicity, where production of both fatty liver and necrosis was seen, as well as lesions of liver membranous cellular components [L2646]. Iodoform induces hepatocellular injury and hepatic lesions in a similar manner to carbon tetrachloride, where cellular membranes may possibly be primary sites of action .

Description

Iodoform is a stable, pale yellow crystalline solid. It is volatile with a characteristic pungent, unpleasant and penetrating odour, but with a sweetish taste. It is incompatible with strong oxidising agents, reducing agents, lithium, and metallic salts such as mercuric oxide, silver nitrate, strong bases, calomel, and tannin. Reports indicate that earlier iodoform was in use as a disinfectant and as an antiseptic or dressing and healing of wounds and sores for pets. Iodoform is the active ingredient in many antiseptic or dressing powders used for dogs and cats to prevent infection.

The Uses of Iodoform

Iodoform has limited use as a chemical intermediate and for medicinal purposes as disinfectant and antiseptic and has been used in veterinary medicine.

Background

Iodoform is an organoiodine compound with the formula CHI3 and a tetrahedral molecular geometry. It is a relatively water-insoluble yellow solid that is chemically reactive in free-radical reactions . Due to its antimicrobial properties following topical administration, minimal levels of iodoform may be found in disinfectants and it is more primarily used for veterinary purposes. Iodoform has also been found in dental paste and root canal filling materials in combination with other intracanal medications due to its radiopacity . Since the beginning of the 20th century, iodoform has been commonly used as a healing and antiseptic dressing or powder for wounds and sores, however such clinical use to this date is limited. Iodoform is soluble in fatty acids and decomposes releasing iodine in nascent state (96,7% of iodine) when in contact with secretions or endodontic infections .

Indications

No approved therapeutic indications.

Pharmacokinetics

Iodoform exhibits antibacterial activities after topical application. In a comparative study of wound dressing agents, iodoform gauze exerted an antibacterial effect 3 hours after the start of bacterial growth of E. coli and subsequently maintained the strong antibacterial effectiveness . A study demonstrated that direct and indirect exposure to high concentrations of iodoform induces a cytotoxic effect on cultures of macrophages and epithelial cells in vitro, while cell proliferation was enhanced at low concentrations of iodoform . This cytotoxic effect of iodoform in root canals may further lead to long-term local irritation to follicles of permanent successors and formation of cyst-like radiolucent defects .

Metabolism

It is expected to be oxidized to iodine [L2646].