Tinctura Paracoto (Tr. Paracoto), Tincture of Paracoto, N.F. (Tinctura Coto, N.F. III).—Paracoto (12.5%) in alcohol. Absolute alcohol content about 90 per cent.
Uses: Antidiarrheic, of doubtful efficacy.
Dosage: 2 Cc. or 30 minims (N.F.).
*Paraffinum (Paraff.), Paraffin, U.S.P.—A purified mixture of solid hydrocarbons, usually obtained from petroleum.
A white, waxy, odorless and tasteless solid, greasy to the touch, melting between 50 and 57 C.
Action and Uses: Used in surgery for prosthetic purposes and in pharmacy for raising the melting point of ointments and similar products.
Paraformaldehydum (Paraform.), Paraformaldehyde, U.S.P. (Paraform, Trioxymethylene).—A polymeric form of formaldehyde.
White friable masses or powder with a slight odor of formaldehyde. Soluble in cold water, insoluble in alcohol or ether.
Action and Uses: Employed in place of formaldehyde to disinfect rooms by vaporization in presence of moisture (to insure formation of formaldehyde). As it is active only if decomposed there may be some doubt as to its efficiency. Internally, it has been used as intestinal antiseptic, but is probably useless and may be harmful.
*Paraldehydum (Paraldehyd.), Paraldehyde, U.S.P.—A polymer of acetaldehyde.