*Aspidium (Aspidium), Aspidium, U.S.P. (Male Fern).—The rhizome of certain ferns.
Action and Uses: Used as a teniacide in the form of oleoresin.
*Oleoresina Aspidii (Oleores. Aspid.), Oleoresin of Aspidium, U.S.P. (Oleoresin of Male Fern).
Dosage: 2 Gm. or 30 grains (total dose in a day, U.S.P.), which may be given singly or in repeated, divided doses, at intervals of fifteen minutes, in capsules containing 0.3 Gm. or 5 grains, or in emulsion. Larger doses may be given to robust persons. Special caution is necessary in giving it to anemic or debilitated persons. The patient should be prepared by a light diet or fasting for twenty-four hours. The drug should be given early in the morning, preceded by a saline cathartic, and the last dose followed in three hours by a saline laxative. Caution:—Castor oil or other fixed oils should not be used in connection with oleoresin of aspidium, as they favor the absorption of the active principle.
Aspidosperma (Aspidosp.), Aspidosperma, U.S.P. (Quebracho).—A bark.
Action and Uses: Has been recommended in dyspneic conditions. Value doubtful.
Dosage: 4 Gm. or 1 drachm (U.S.P.).
Fluidextractum Aspidospermatis (Fldext. Aspidosp.), Fluidextract of Aspidosperma, U.S.P. (Fluidextract of Quebracho).—Aspidosperma (100%). Absolute alcohol content about 55 per cent.
Dosage: 4 Cc. or 1 fluidrachm (U.S.P.).
*Atropina (Atrop.), Atropine, U.S.P.—An alkaloid obtained from belladonna and some other plants of the nightshade family.