The Council declared Somnoform inadmissible to New and Nonofficial Remedies because, in the absence of acceptable evidence showing its exceptional safety and value, the claims are unwarranted (Rule 6), and because the name of the mixture is not descriptive of its composition (Rule 8).—(From Reports of Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry, 1919, p. 90.)
TABLETS FORMOTHALATES
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
The Council has authorized publication of the following report which declares Tablets Formothalates (Tailby-Nason Company, Boston, Mass.) ineligible for New and Nonofficial Remedies.
W. A. Puckner, Secretary.
Tablets Formothalates are sold by Tailby-Nason Company, Boston, Mass. On the label a formula is given: “Constituents: Acetanilid 2 gr.; phenolphthalein 1⁄2 gr. In a balanced combination with Hexamene Boston M. & S. J., Oct. 3, 1918). The dose is given as one to two tablets at 6 p. m. and repeat at bedtimes.
The A. M. A. Chemical Laboratory reported that the tablets weigh an average of 0.4882 Gm., or 71⁄2 grains; that they have the odor and taste of cinnamon; and that they contain hexamethylenamin, are neutral and therefore give up no formaldehyde in the presence of water alone. The Laboratory further reported that they contain phenolphthalein and acetanilid. These tablets were directed to be taken internally and therefore their effect was not intended to be local.
The amount of hexamethylenamin was not determined, but in any case could not exceed 5 grains per tablet. It is evident that 4 grains of acetanilid and 10 grains of hexamethylenamin and 1 grain of phenolphthalein (in two tablets) “if given in the acute stage” of influenza would not “avert a serious attack,” as claimed in the advertisements.