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

Tinctura Physostigmatis (Tr. Physostig.), Tincture of Physostigma, U.S.P. (Tincture of Calabar Bean).—Physostigma (10%), yielding about 0.015 per cent. of alkaloids. Absolute alcohol content about 92 per cent.

Dosage: 1 Cc. or 15 minims (U.S.P.).

*Physostigminae Salicylas (Physostig. Salicyl.), Physostigmine Salicylate, U.S.P. (Eserine Salicylate).

Colorless or nearly colorless, odorless crystals. Soluble in water (1:75) and in alcohol (1:16).

Action and Uses: Stimulant of parasympathetic nerve endings. Used especially as a powerful miotic, particularly in glaucoma, sometimes internally against ileus or intestinal paresis.

Dosage: Internally, 0.001 Gm. or 1/60 grain (U.S.P.). Externally, solutions (should be freshly prepared) from 0.1 to 1 per cent.

Phytolacca (Phytolac.), Phytolacca, N.F. (Poke Root).

Action and Uses: Unreliable irritant, emetic, cathartic and “alterative.”

Dosage: Emetic, 1 Gm. or 15 grains (N.F.); alterative, 0.1 Gm. or 1-1/2 grains (N.F.).

Fluidextractum Phytolaccae (Fldext. Phytolac.), Fluidextract of Phytolacca, N.F.—Phytolacca (100%). Absolute alcohol content about 40 per cent.