Quininae Valerianas. Quinine Valerianate.
Related entries: Red Cinchona Bark
C25H34N2O4, H2O = 444.308.
Quinine valerianate, C20H24N2O2HC5H9O2, H2O, may be prepared by dissolving quinine in the least possible quantity of alcohol and adding valerianic acid in small quantities at a time, until the solution is neutral or only very faintly acid. It is then poured into twice its volume of water, the liquid evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 50°, and allowed to crystallise. The salt contains 72.97 per cent. of anhydrous quinine, 22.97 per cent. of valerianic acid, and 4.05 per cent. of water of crystallisation. Quinine valerianate occurs in the form of colourless, lustrous, pearly crystals, or as a white, micro-crystalline powder, having a slight odour of valerianic acid and a bitter, somewhat valerian-like taste it is permanent in air. Melting-point, 90°, forming a colourless liquid. At 100° it loses its water of crystallisation, and at the same time begins to lose valerianic acid. On ignition, it burns slowly, leaving residue (absence of fixed impurities). On adding diluted sulphuric acid to the aqueous solution it becomes fluorescent and gives a more pronounced odour of valerianic acid. It gives the thalleioquin reaction. When converted into sulphate and examined as described under Quininae Sulphas it should be free from more than traces of other cinchona alkaloids.
Soluble in water (1 in 120), boiling water (1 in 40), alcohol (1 in 2), ether (1 in 14).
Action and Uses.—This compound is employed with the valerianates of iron and zinc in neurotic conditions and hysteria. It is administered in pills, which should be massed with syrup of glucose and well varnished.
Dose.—½ to 2 decigrams (1 to 3 grains).
