COLLYR′IUM. [L.] In medicine and pharmacy, a topical remedy for diseases of the eye. Formerly the term collyrium was applied to any medicament employed to restrain defluxions.
Collyr′ium, Dry. Syn. Eye powder; Collyr′ium sic′cum, L. Prep. 1. (Dupuytren.) White sugar, 1 dr.; red oxide of mercury, 10 gr.; oxide of zinc, 20 gr.; mix.
2. (Lagneau.) Sugar candy, 2 parts; nitrate of potassa, 1 part.
3. (Falconer.) Chloride of barium, 1 gr.; sugar candy, 1 dr.
4. (Radius.) Calomel and white sugar, of each 1⁄2 dr.; opium, 10 gr.
5. (Recamier.) Oxide of zinc and sugar candy, equal parts.
6. (Velpeau.) Trisnitrate of bismuth and sugar candy, equal parts.
7. (Wiseman.) Acetate of soda, 10 gr.; powdered opium, 1 gr.; sugar candy, 1⁄2 dr.
Obs. It is absolutely necessary that the ingredients in the above preparations should be reduced to an impalpable powder by careful trituration in a wedgwood mortar. For use, a small pinch is placed in a quill or straw, and blown into the eye previously opened with the fingers. On the whole, they may be regarded as unnecessary preparations, and are unsafe, except in skilful hands.
Collyrium, Liq′uid. See Waters (Eye).