Unguentum Belladonnae (U. S. P.)—Belladonna Ointment.
Related entry: Belladonna.—Belladonna
Preparation.—"Alcoholic extract of belladonna leaves, ten grammes (10 Gm.), [154 grs.]; diluted alcohol, five grammes (5 Gm.) [77 grs.]; benzoinated lard, eighty-five grammes (85 Gm.) [3 ozs. av.]; to make one hundred grammes (100 Gm.) 13 ozs. av., 231 grs.]. Rub the extract with the diluted alcohol until it is uniformly soft, then gradually add the lard, and mix thoroughly"—(U. S. P.).
Action and Medical Uses.—This forms an anodyne application for the relief of pain and spasm, and may be advantageously applied to local neuralgia, to painful joints, to dilate the pupil, and also the os uteri, and to the denuded spine in violent tetanus, delirium tremens, and puerperal convulsions. It is to be preferred to atropine ointment as an application to the uterus and vagina.
Related Ointment.—UNGUENTUM ATROPINAE (Br. Pharm., 1898), for similar purposes, is made by triturating atropine, 10 grains (Imp.), or 0.5 gramme, with oleic acid, 40 grains (Imp.), or 2 grammes, and gently warming the mixture until dissolved; then add lard, 450 grains (Imp.), or 22.5 grammes, and mix. It must be used with caution, and not be applied on abraded surfaces. It is used to allay irritation, particularly of the urethra and rectum, and to control pain and spasm. It is most largely employed as a local anodyne in superficial neuralgias.
