Action and Uses: Strophanthus and tincture of strophanthus have properties similar to those of the glucoside strophanthin. The absorption of strophanthus from the alimentary canal is so variable that administration by mouth is not advisable.
Dosage: 0.06 Gm. or 1 grain (U.S.P.).
*Tinctura Strophanthi (Tr. Strophanth.), Tincture of Strophanthus, U.S.P. (Strophanthi Tinctura, P.I.).—Strophanthus (10%) with the oil removed. Biologically assayed by producing death in frogs. Absolute alcohol content about 92 per cent.
Dosage: 0.5 Cc. or 8 minims (U.S.P.). Physicians who prescribe it should specify the biologically assayed preparation.
Strychnina (Strych.), Strychnine, U.S.P.—An alkaloid obtained from nux vomica.
Colorless, odorless crystals or white powder. Extremely bitter in very dilute solutions. Very slightly soluble in water (1:6420) and slightly soluble in alcohol (1:136).
Action and Uses: Stimulates the reflex activity of the spinal cord, but produces little or no effect on the higher nervous centers; is also used as a bitter tonic, generally in the form of a preparation of nux vomica.
As strychnine is so slightly soluble, it is generally prescribed as one of its salts. Of these, the nitrate meets every need.
Dosage: 0.0015 Gm. or 1/40 grain (U.S.P.).
Elixir Pepsini, Bismuthi et Strychninae (Elix. Pepsin. Bism. et Strych.), Elixir of Pepsin, Bismuth and Strychnine, N.F.—Strychnine (0.0175%), tartaric acid, and elixir of pepsin and bismuth. Absolute alcohol content about 10 per cent.