White powder, becoming greenish on exposure to light and air, odorless and with a slightly bitter taste. Soluble in water (1:50) and in alcohol (1:50).
Action and Uses: Prompt, centrally acting emetic, especially adapted for hypodermic administration. Rarely used as nauseant expectorant.
Dosage: Expectorant 0.003 Gm. or 1/20 grain (U.S.P.). Probably too large; 0.004 Gm. or 1/15 grain is said to have produced death in a person enfeebled by chronic bronchitis. From 0.001 Gm. to 0.002 Gm., or 1/60 to 1/30 grain, repeated once an hour or once in two hours, is safer. Emetic, by mouth (hypodermic administration is better), 0.01 Gm. or 1/6 grain (U.S.P.). Emetic, hypodermic, 0.005 Gm. or 1/12 grain (U.S.P.). This may be repeated at ten-minute intervals until effective, but it should be remembered that in some cases apomorphin produces toxic effects without causing vomiting.
*Aqua (Aqua), Water, U.S.P.—H2O.
Action and Uses: Solvent. The ingestion of large amounts is a very valuable eliminative measure.
*Aqua Destillata (Aq. Dest.), Distilled Water, U.S.P.—Water obtained by distillation.
Aqua Destillata Sterilisata (Aq. Dest. Steril.), Sterilized Distilled Water, U.S.P.—Should be used within forty-eight hours after its preparation.
AQUAE AROMATICAE, AROMATIC WATERS.—The official aromatic waters are aqueous solutions of volatile substances, usually volatile oils. They are used as vehicles for the more active water-soluble drugs. For preparations included in this list see under the names of the principal constituents. For the following, see under the names of the respective oils: Aqua Amygdalae Amarae, Aqua Foeniculi, Aqua Menthae Piperitae and Aqua Menthae Viridis.
Aralia (Aralia), Aralia, N.F. (American Spikenard, Spignet).—Rhizome and roots.
Action and Uses: Obsolete irritant, diaphoretic and “alterative.” Probably without value.