Emulsum Asafoetidae. U. S. Emulsion of Asafetida.
Emuls. Asafoet. [Milk of Asafoetida]
Related entries: Asafoetida
Asafetida Mixture; Mistura (Lac) Asafoetidae, Mistura Asafoetida, U. S. P. 1880; Mixture (Lait) d'Asafoetida, Fr.; Asafoetidaemulsion, Stinkasantmilch, G.
"Asafetida, in tears or selected masses, forty grammes [or 1 ounce av., 180 grains]; Water, a sufficient quantity, to make one thousand mils [or 33 fluidounces, 6 ½ fluidrachms]. Rub the Asafetida, in a warmed mortar, with nine hundred mils [or 30 fluidounces] of Water, at first very gradually added, until a uniform emulsion results. Then strain the mixture into a graduated vessel, and rinse the mortar and strainer with enough Water to make the product measure one thousand mils [or 33 fluidounces, 6 ½ fluidrachms]. Mix the whole thoroughly." U. S.
The present 4 per cent. official emulsion slightly exceeds in strength the mixture of the U. S. P., 1870, which contained but 3 per cent. of asafetida. This emulsion is less stimulant than the tincture, and more prompt in its action than the pill. Its excessively disagreeable odor and taste are, however, objections, which induce a frequent preference for the last mentioned preparation. It is very often employed as an enema. From two to four fluidounces (60-120 mils) may be given by the rectum. D. Ackerman prepares a concentrated emulsion of asafetida, which will keep if excluded from the light, by using a mixture of three-fourths of pure water and one-fourth of diluted acetic acid as the menstruum. For cleaning mortars in which asafetida has been rubbed, he recommends solution of potassium hydroxide, followed by soap and water.
Dose, one-half to one fluidounce (15-30 mils).
