It was used to treat a wide range of conditions; everything from acne to kidney disease and in particular was the treatment of choice for syphilis.

It was available over the counter at any drugstore in the world, the most common form being a concoction of protiodide, licorice, glycerin and marshmallow.

[citation needed] Taken orally, and in low doses, protiodide causes excessive salivation, fetid breath, spongy and bleeding gums and sore teeth.

Early signs of an overdose or excessive use are muscular tremors, chorea, and locomotor ataxia.

Protiodide is banned as a medication, even though it persisted in use as a quack remedy until the early 20th century.