Epitome of the Pharmacopeia of the United States and the National Formulary / With Comments

by Albion Walter Hewlett; William August Puckner; Torald Hermann Sollmann; Martin I. Wilbert

Acidum Formicum (Acid. Formic), Formic Acid, N.F.—HCOOH (about 25%).

A clear, colorless liquid, with a characteristic pungent odor, and an acid reaction.

Action and Uses: Externally as caustic irritant, but without advantage over mustard. Internally as slightly irritant diuretic, but without advantage over nitrates. The elixirs containing various formates are intended as tonics, but there is no good evidence that they have such action. They are needlessly complex and irrational.

Dosage: 0.3 Cc. or 5 minims (N.F.).

Elixir Formatum (Elix. Format.), Elixir of Formates, N.F.—Potassium formate (5%), sodium formate (5%) and aromatic elixir. Absolute alcohol content about 15 per cent.

Dosage: 8 Cc. or 2 fluidrachms (N.F.).

Elixir Formatum Compositum (Elix. Format. Co.), Compound Elixir of Formates, N.F.—Sodium formate (3%), magnesium formate (2.5%), strontium formate (2.5%), lithium formate (1%), quinine formate (0.8%), compound spirit of cardamom, acetic ether, alcohol, glycerin and distilled water. Absolute alcohol content about 9.9 per cent.

Dosage: 8 Cc. or 2 fluidrachms (N.F.).

Spiritus Acidi Formici (Sp. Ac. Formic.), Spirit of Formic Acid, N.F. (Spiritus Formicarum, Spirit of Ants).—Formic acid (4%) in distilled water and alcohol. Absolute alcohol content about 70 per cent.

Uses: Rubefacient.