Action and Uses: Slows the pulse and lowers the blood pressure, but this action in therapeutic doses is uncertain. Used in the treatment of febrile colds; also for counter-irritation, in the form of the tincture. Used also as a local anesthetic, and by some still believed to be useful in the treatment of the symptoms arising from excessive cardiac hypertrophy. Toxic symptoms may occur from local absorption.
Dosage: 0.03 Gm. or 1/2 grain (U.S.P.); not used as such.
Extractum Aconiti (Ext. Aconit.), Extract of Aconite, U.S.P. (Powdered Extract of Aconite).—Yields about 2 per cent. of ether-soluble alkaloids. Biologically assayed by producing death in the guinea-pig.
Dosage: 0.01 Gm. or 1/6 grain (U.S.P.). Physicians who prescribe extract of aconite should specify the biologically assayed product.
Fluidextractum Aconiti (Fldext. Aconit.), Fluidextract of Aconite, U.S.P.—Aconite (100%), yielding about 0.5 per cent. of alkaloids. Absolute alcohol content about 70 per cent. Biologically assayed by producing death in the guinea-pig.
Dosage: 0.03 Cc. or 1/2 minim (U.S.P.). Physicians who prescribe fluidextract of aconite should specify the biologically assayed product. Best to use the tincture.
Linimentum Aconiti et Chloroformi (Lin. Aconit. et Chlorof.), Liniment of Aconite and Chloroform, N.F.—Fluidextract of aconite (4.5%), in alcohol, chloroform and soap liniment.
*Tinctura Aconiti (Tr. Aconit.), Tincture of Aconite, U.S.P. (Aconiti Tinctura, P.I.).—Aconite (10%) yielding about 0.05 per cent. of alkaloids, in alcohol and water. Alkaloidal assay unreliable. Biologically assayed by producing death in the guinea-pig. Absolute alcohol content about 65 per cent.
Dosage: 0.3 Cc. or 5 minims (U.S.P.). Physicians should specify the biologically assayed product.
*Adeps (Adeps), Lard, U.S.P.