A liquid obtained by the decomposition of vegetable or

animal fats or fixed oils.

Glycerin occurs as a clear colorless liquid, of a thick, syrupy consistence, smooth to the touch, odorless, sweet to the taste and producing a sensation of warmth in the mouth. It is readily miscible with water or alcohol.

Properties and Uses: Glycerin is used in medicine chiefly as a solvent in preparing glycerites, and as a sweetening agent or vehicle in place of syrups.

Suppositoria Glycerini.—Suppositories Of Glycerin, U. S. P.

Each suppository contains approximately 3 gm. or 45 grains of glycerin gelatinized by means of hard soap.

Actions and Uses: A glycerin suppository, or glycerin itself, when introduced into the rectum tends to absorb water from the surrounding tissues and to cause increased peristalsis by reflex action, thus acting as a prompt laxative.

Glycerita—Glycerites

Glycerites are solutions of medicinal substances in glycerin.

For preparations of this type included in this list see:

Glyceritum Acidi Tannici, under Acidum Tannicum.

Glyceritum Amyli, under Amylum.

Glyceritum Boroglycerini, under Acidum Boricum.

Gelatinum Glycerinatum, under Gelatinum.