Latin, Pepsinum (Gen., Pepsini)

Eng., Pepsin. A mixture containing a proteolytic ferment or enzyme obtained from the glandular layer of the fresh stomach of the hog (Sus scrofa). It digests not less than 3000 times its own weight of freshly coagulated and disintegrated egg-albumin.

Form

White or yellowish scales, grains or powder.

Odor And Taste

Slight odor and taste.

Solubility

Soluble or almost entirely soluble in about 50 parts of water. More soluble in water acidulated with Hydrochloric Acid. Insoluble in alcohol.

Incompatibles

Alcohol, tannic acid, alkalies or alkaline carbonates, etc.

Average Dose

8 grains (0.5 Gm.).

Some Unofficial Preparations.

Elixir Digestivum Compositum (N. F.)

Eng., Compound Digestive Elixir. Synonym, Elixir of Lactated Pepsin. A pleasantly flavored, red-colored elixir containing Pepsin, Pancreatin, Diastase, etc.

Average Dose

2 fluidrachms (8 mils).

Liquor Pepsini (N. F.)

Eng., Solution of Pepsin. Contains Pepsin, Diluted Hydrochloric Acid, Glycerin and Water. Average Dose.-2 fluidrachms (8 mils).

Liquor Pepsini Aromaticus (N. F.)

Eng., Aromatic Solution of Pepsin. Contains about the same as Solution of Pepsin with the addition of cloves, cinnamon, etc.

Average Dose

2 fluidrachms (8 mils).

Pepsinum Saccharatum (N. F.)

Eng., Saccharated Pepsin. Pepsin, 10 Gm.; Sugar of Milk, 90 Gm.

Average Dose

15 grains (1 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Digestant.

Uses

As an aid to gastric digestion and for the predigestion of foods. The value of many long-used Pepsin preparations and the necessity for often using it at all have been seriously questioned by good authority. The Compound Digestive Elixir seems to be an incompatible mixture, yet it is possibly the most largely used pharmaceutical preparation in the country.

Administration

The following are given more to illustrate the present employment of pepsin and its preparations than to offer the formulae for indiscriminate use:

Sig

Two (2) teaspoon fuls in water after meals.

Or:

M.

Sig

Two (2) teaspoon fuls in water after meals.

Or:

M.

Sig

Two (2) teaspoonfuls in water after meals.

In digestive disturbance:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

As a digestant:

M.

Sig

Teaspoon ful in water after meals.

1 Anders: Practice of Medicine.

2 Shoemaker: Materia Medica and Therapeutics.

To aid digestion:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

Or:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.