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

Petroxolinum Hydrargyri (Petrox. Hydrarg.), Mercury Petroxolin, N.F. (Mercury Petrox).—Mercury (30%) in hydrous wool fat, oleic acid and solid petroxolin.

*Unguentum Hydrargyri (Ung. Hydrarg.), Mercurial Ointment, U.S.P.—Metallic mercury (about 50%) and oleate of mercury (2%) with prepared suet and benzoinated lard.

Uses: Especially to secure the systemic effects of mercury by inunction.

*Unguentum Hydrargyri Dilutum (Ung. Hydrarg. Dil.), Diluted Mercurial Ointment, U.S.P. (Blue Ointment, Hydrargyri Unguentum P.I.).—Mercurial ointment (60%) equivalent to about 30 per cent. of metallic mercury, with petrolatum.

Uses: Especially in pediculosis.

*Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum (Hydrarg. Ammon.), Ammoniated Mercury, U.S.P. (White Precipitate).—Mercurammonium chloride, HgNH₂Cl, corresponding to about 79 per cent. of Hg.

White, odorless lumps or powder, with an earthy, afterward styptic and metallic taste. Insoluble in water or alcohol.

Action and Uses: The ointment is extensively used as a cutaneous antiseptic especially for impetigo contagiosa and other pustular dermatoses and ringworm of the scalp. Also used for removing scales of psoriasis. It may cause salivation.

Dosage: From 2 to 10 per cent. ointment.

*Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati (Ung. Hydrarg. Ammon.), Ointment of Ammoniated Mercury, U.S.P. (White Precipitate Ointment).—Ammoniated mercury (10%) in white petrolatum and hydrous wool fat.