Glyceritum Amyli (U. S. P.)—Glycerite of Starch.

Related entry: Amylum (U. S. P.)—Starch

SYNONYMS: Glycerin of starch, Plasma, Glycamyl.

Preparation.—"Starch, ten grammes (10 Gm.) [154 grs.]; water, ten cubic centimeters (10 Cc.) [162♏︎]; glycerin, eighty grammes (80 Gm.) [2 ozs. av., 360 grs.]. To the starch, contained in a porcelain capsule, add the water and glycerin, and stir until a homogeneous mixture is produced. Then apply a heat gradually raised to 140° C. (284° F.), and not exceeding 144° C. (291.2° F.), stirring constantly, until a translucent jelly is formed. Transfer the product to suitable vessels, provided with well-fitting covers "—(U. S. P.).

This preparation, if exposed to the atmosphere, readily absorbs moisture, hence it should be kept in closely-stoppered bottles. According to Willmott the substitution of water in place of one-third of the glycerin used will prevent this change.

Action and Medical Uses.—Glycerite of starch forms a bland preparation, very useful in cases in which it is desired to apply mild, non-irritating dressings, as in the burning heat of eczema, in excoriated surfaces, in erythema, and in several other irritated or inflamed conditions of the skin. It likewise forms a vehicle for the application of other agents with which it may be mixed.


King's American Dispensatory, 1898, was written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D.