A neutral principle obtained from elaterium. a substance deposited by the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium.

Properties Elaterin occurs as minute white hexagonal scales or prismatic crystals, without odor and having a slightly acrid, bitter taste. It is practically insoluble in water and only slightly soluble in alcohol (1:262)

Recent investigations would appear to indicate that the commercial substance is extremely variable in composition, and this is in keeping with clinical observations, many lots of the drug being found to be practically inert. Elaterin should not be confounded with elaterium.

Action and Uses: Elaterin is a powerful hydragogue cathartic, causing profuse watery evacuations with comparatively little pain.

It is used in dropsy, convulsions, puerperal eclampsia, etc. If used too freely or in debilitated persons it may produce dangerous weakness.

Dosage: 0.005 gm. or 1/10 grain.