Colocynthis

Colocynth

Colocynth. The fruit, deprived of its rind, of Citrul-lus colocynthis Schrader (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae). (U. S. P.) Co-loquinte, Fr.; Koloquinten, Ger.

Extractum Colocynthidis

Extract of colocynth.

Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum

Compound extract of colocynth. (Extracts of colocynth, scammony, and aloes; cardamoms, soap.) Dose, grs. v—grs. x.

Pilulae Catharticae Composites

Compound cathartic pills. (Compound extract of colocynth, abstract of jalap, calomel, gamboge.) Dose, 1—3 pills. Each pill contains one grain of calomel.

Composition

Colocynth contains a bitter principle (colocynthin), which is the purgative principle. Colocynthitin is another substance contained in the alcoholic extract. It differs from colocynthin in being soluble in ether, and not in water. As colocynthitin is a tasteless crystalline powder, it is probably devoid of purgative property. Colocynthin is a very powerful cathartic.

Actions and Uses

Colocynth is a gastro-intestinal irritant. In moderate doses it hastens the peristaltic movements, and increases the intestinal secretions. Its cathartic operation is usually attended with griping, and the stools are fluid. Violent gastro-enteritis may be produced by a large quantity, and numerous fatal cases have been reported from its incautious or criminal administration.

The action of colocynth is not merely local. Applied to the skin of the abdomen, it causes intestinal pain, and more frequent alvine discharges.

Colocynth is never administered alone, but usually in combination with other purgatives. The compound extract is a safe, effective, and not unpleasant cathartic for the relief of constipation. Rx Ext. colo-cynthidis comp., Эj; ext. belladonnae, ext. physostigmatis, āā grs. v. M. Ft. pil. no. x. Sig.: One each night in habitual constipation. The official compound cathartic pill is a most serviceable combination. Instead of calomel the resin of podophyllum may be used in the preparation of this pill, without impairing its utility.

In cerebral congestion the preparations of colocynth are used as derivative purgatives. Hypochondriasis and melancholia, when associated with torpor of the large intestines and fecal accumulations, are benefited by brisk purging with the colocynth preparations, but other drastic purgatives are equally efficient.

Colocynth is inadmissible in inflammatory states of the intestinal canal, and is unsafe during the existence of pregnancy. There is a popular notion, which has led to its use in toxic doses, that colocynth may cause abortion. Any quantity which will affect the gravid womb must be sufficient to endanger life.