(Cerous Oxalate.)

Definition. - Cerium oxalate consists chiefly of a mixture of the oxalates of cerium, didymium, and lantharum, and of other rare metals of this group.

Origin - Prepared by a complicated process by the action of acids, etc., upon the powdered mineral.

Description and Properties. - A white, granular powder, without odor or taste, and permanent in the air. Insoluble in water, alcohol, or ether.

Dose. - 1-8 grains (0.06-0.5 Gm.) [1 grain (0.065 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action. - The physiological action of this drug is imperfectly understood: it is supposed to be a nervous and gastric sedative.

Therapeutics. - Internally. - Its widest application is in the vomiting of pregnancy, but it also controls the emesis of uterine disease and of dyspepsia, due to gastric acidity or deranged innervation of the stomach, as in sea-sickness.

It does not derange digestion, and is therefore of value in checking the cough of phthisis and bronchitis, especially when accompanied by vomiting.

In combination with bismuth it is useful in checking diarrhea.

Administration. - Cerium oxalate is usually administered in pill form, 1-3 grains (.06-.20 Gm.) three times daily, but the powder is used when the drug is associated with other remedies.