A fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Croton tiglium.

Properties : Croton oil occurs as a pale yellow or brownish-yellow, somewhat viscid, and slightly fluorescent liquid, having a slight, fatty odor, and a mild, oily, afterward acrid and burning taste. It is practically insoluble in water, but when fresh is soluble in alcohol.

Action and Uses: Croton oil is a drastic cathartic and applied externally is rubefacient and vesicant. It is used mostly to procure prompt evacuation of the bowels, especially in coma.

Dosage: 0.05 c.c. or 1 minim, given in olive oil, butter. etc. It may be placed on the tongue in granulated sugar if the patient cannot swallow.