This section is from the book "Laboratory Manual Of Pharmacology", by A. D. Bush. Also available from Amazon: Laboratory manual of pharmacology.
Powders are triturated mixtures of dry medicinal substances. Except for Seidlitz Powder, the official powders are all insoluble.
Prepare the official Pulvis Cretae Compositus as follows: Thoroughly mix by trituration 2 Gm. finely powdered acacia, 5 Gm. powdered sugar, and 3 Gm. prepared chalk. When intimately mixed, pass through a No. 60 sieve. (Reserve for next group.)
Examine the following official Powders:
Sample | Color | Odor | Taste | Utility |
P. Aromaticus | A flavor | |||
P. Cretae Compositus | Antacid | |||
P. Effervescens Comp. (Seidlitz Powder) | Aperient; dose, 1 set of 2 powders | |||
P. Glycyrrhizae Comp. | Laxative; 4 Gm. | |||
P. Ipecac, et Opii (Dover's Powder) | Abortant for "colds"; 0.5 Gm. | |||
P. Jalapae Comp. | Vigorous purge; 2 Gm. | |||
P. Rhei Compositus (Gregory's Powder) | Sharp cathartic; av. dose, 2 Gm. |
Make trial Seidlitz Powders as follows: Mix 15 Gm. dry, finely powdered sodium bicarbonate intimately with 45 Gm. dry, finely powdered potassium and sodium tartrate. Divide the mixture into 6 equal parts, and wrap each part in a separate blue paper.
Divide 13 Gm. dried, finely powdered tartaric acid into 6 equal parts, and wrap each part in a separate white paper.
Keep these powders in a dry, well-protected container. Take one or two doses, mixed in water, before breakfast, and note effect.
 
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