Glyceritum Hydrastis (U. S. P.)—Glycerite of Hydrastis.
Related entry: Hydrastis (U. S. P.)—Hydrastis
Preparation.—"Hydrastis, in No. 60 powder, one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; glycerin, five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fl℥, 435♏︎]; alcohol, water, each a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Moisten the hydrastis with three hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (350 Cc.) [11 fl℥, 401♏︎] of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 48 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol until the hydrastis is practically exhausted. To the percolate add two hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (250 Cc.) [8 fl℥, 218♏︎] of water, and then drive off the alcohol by evaporation or distillation. After the alcohol is driven off, add enough water to the residue to make it measure five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fl℥, 435♏︎], and set it aside for 24 hours. Then filter, pass enough water through the filter to make the filtrate measure five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fl℥, 435♏︎], add the glycerin, and mix thoroughly"—(U. S. P.).
History.—This preparation was first elaborated by Prof. J. U. Lloyd, in response to a call from Dr. L. E. Wickens, of Holly, Michigan. It came into extended use, and the published formula has now found its way into the National Formulary and United States Pharmacopoeia. Owing to the yellow color it has fallen into general disfavor.
Action and Medical Uses.—(Those of Hydrastis.) Dose, ½ to 1 fluid drachm.
