Syrupus Rhoeados.—Syrup of Red Poppy.
Related entry: Rhoeados Petala.—Red-Poppy Petals
Preparation.—"Take of fresh red poppy petals, 13 ounces (av.); refined sugar, 2 ¼ pounds (av.); distilled water, 1 pint (Imp.), or a sufficiency; rectified spirit, 2 ½ fluid ounces. Add the petals gradually to the water heated in a water-bath, stirring frequently, and afterward, the vessel being removed, infuse for 12 hours. Then press out the liquor, strain, add the sugar, and dissolve by means of heat. When nearly cold add the spirit, and as much distilled water as may be necessary to make up for loss in the process, so that the product shall weigh 3 pounds 10 ounces (av.). Its specific gravity should be about 1.330"—(Br. Pharm., 1885).
The directions in the British Pharmacopoeia (1898) practically agree with these. This syrup is prone to ferment, but this is retarded by the addition of the alcohol. It has a handsome red color.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—The proportion of opium present in this syrup is very uncertain, consequently but little reliance is placed upon it as an opiate. It is chiefly used as a coloring agent for mixtures. The dose is about 1 fluid drachm.
