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

Liquor Picis Alkalinus (Liq. Pic. Alk.), Alkaline Solution of Tar, N.F.—Tar (25%), in potassium hydroxide (12.5%), and water.

Syrupus Picis Liquidae (Syr. Pic. Liq.), Syrup of Tar, U.S.P.—Tar (0.5%) in alcohol, mixed with syrup. Absolute alcohol content about 5 per cent.

Dosage: 4 Cc. or 1 fluidrachm (U.S.P.).

*Unguentum Picis Liquidae (Ung. Pic. Liq.), Tar Ointment, U.S.P.—Tar (50%), yellow wax and lard.

Vinum Picis (Vin. Pic.), Wine of Tar, N.F.—Tar (10%) in alcohol and sherry wine. Absolute alcohol content about 29 per cent.

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

Pix Lithanthracis (Pix Lith.), Coal Tar, N.F. (Pix Carbonis).—Obtained by the destructive distillation of coal.

Nearly black semisolid, with a characteristic naphthalene-like odor and a sharp, burning taste. Only slightly soluble in water; partially dissolved by alcohol.

Action and Uses: Antiseptic and irritant; used in skin diseases in the form of:

Liquor Picis Carbonis (Liq. Pic. Carbon.), Coal Tar Solution, N.F.—Coal tar (20%), quillaja and alcohol. Absolute alcohol content about 75 per cent.