Mezereum,—Mezereon.

Source and Composition. The bark of Daphne Mezereum, a European shrub of the nat. ord. Thymelaeaceae. It contains an inactive glucoside, named Daphnin, an acrid Resin, an inert fixed oil, etc. Dose, gr. j-x.

Preparations. It is a constituent of the official Compound Decoction and Compound Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla.

Extractum Mezerei Fluidum,—is too acrid for internal use; is an ingredient of Linimentum Sinapis Compositum.

Physiological Action. Mezereon is a sialogogue, and, in small doses, laxative and alterative. It is intensely acrid, and in sufficient dosage an irritant poison, causing violent vomiting, purging, nephritis, and gastro-enteritis.

Therapeutics. Its principal use is that of a local irritant, to keep up the discharge from issues or blisters, and to stimulate indolent ulcers. It has been used with benefit in Chronic Rheumatism, Strumous and Syphilitic affections, Toothache and Paralysis of the Tongue.

A Compend of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Prescription Writing, 1902, by Sam'l O. L. Potter, M.D., M.R.C.P.L.