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

*Resorcinol (Resorcin.), Resorcinol, U.S.P. (Resorcin).—Metadihydroxybenzene.

Colorless or nearly colorless crystals or powder with a faint, peculiar odor and a taste at first sweetish, afterward bitter. Very soluble in water (1:0.9) and in alcohol (1:0.9).

Action and Uses: Irritant, antiseptic; used internally in gastric fermentation; externally in skin diseases.

Dosage: 0.125 Gm. or 2 grains (U.S.P.).

Pasta Resorcinolis Fortis (Past. Resorcin. Fort.), Strong Resorcinol Paste, N.F. (Lassar’s Stronger Resorcinol Paste).—Resorcinol (20%), zinc oxide (20%), starch and light liquid petrolatum.

Pasta Resorcinolis Mitis (Past. Resorcin. Mit.), Mild Resorcinol Paste, N.F. (Lassar’s Mild Resorcinol Paste).—Resorcinol (10%), zinc oxide (25%), starch and liquid petrolatum.

Unguentum Resorcinolis Compositus (Ung. Resorcin. Co.), Compound Resorcinol Ointment, N.F.—Resorcinol, zinc oxide, bismuth subnitrate and rectified oil of birch tar (each 6%), in yellow wax, petrolatum, anhydrous wool fat and glycerin.

Uses: Complex antiseptic ointment.

Rhamnus Cathartica (Rhamn. Cath.), Rhamnus Cathartica, N.F. (Buckthorn Berries, Baccae Spinae Cervinae).—Ripe fruit.

Action and Uses: Superfluous hydragogue cathartic.