Airol
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Airol is a bismuth-based iodine and tannic acid compound historically used as an iodine substitute in powder, ointment, or emulsion forms. It served as a treatment for conditions such as gonorrhea, trachoma, and blennorrhea, though it was noted to occasionally cause tissue edema and dermatitis.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
AIROL, hydroxyiodotannic acid bismuth containing 27% iodine, odorless, insoluble in water, decomposed by hot water. It is used instead of iodoform as a dusting powder, per se or with talc (1 : 5), and also in 10-15% ointments; for gonorrhea, a 10% water-glycerin emulsion of 5-10 cubic centimeters once a day; also for trachoma and blennorrhea. Airol sometimes causes tissue edema and dermatitis.
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Cite this page
“Airol.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/airol/