Jalap. The dried tubers of Exogonium (Ipo-mAea) Purga. Nat. Ord. Convolvulaceae. Linn. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. Source, Mexico.

Med. Prop. and Action. Cathartic. It is a safe and efficacious purgative, operating with rapidity and certainty, causing little irritation, producing copiovis watery stools, and leaving but little subsequent constipation. Its activity depends upon the Resin, which is an efficient purge, and forms an eligible mode for internal exhibition. In some persons Jalap causes vomiting, nausea, Arc.; and when the medicine passes into the intestines, griping is often experienced.. Its efficacy as a hydragogue is greatly increased by the addition of the Acid Tartrate of Potash. The Pulv. JalapAe Co. is an excellent hydragogue purgative. Camphor is said to lessen the griping, while it augments its purgative operation.

Offic. Prep. 1. Extractum JalapAe (a mixed spirit and aqueous extract. Prepared by maceration, expression, and evaporation). Dose, gr. vj. - gr. xx.

2. Pulvis Jalapae Compositus (Powdered Jalap Oz

v.; Acid Tartrate of Potash oz. ix.; Powdered Ginger oz. j.). Dose, gr. xxx. - gr. lx.

3. Pulvis Scammonii Compositus

(See art. Scammonium. )

4. Resina Jalapae (A Resin Obtained From Jalap By Means Of Rectified Spirit)

Dose, gr. ij. - gr. vj.

6. Tinctura Jalapae (Coarsely Powdered Jalap Oz

iiss.; Proof Spirit Oj. Prepared by maceration and percolation). Dose, fl. drm. ss. - fl. drs. ij.

Dote of powdered Jalap: for an adult, gr. v. - xxv.; for an infant, gr. ij. - v.

It is contra-indicated, 1, in inflammatory states of the digestive tube; 2, in irritable states of the uterus and its appendages; 3, during pregnancy; 4, during the menstrual period.

1664. Therapeutic Uses

In Dropsical Affections, there is no hydragogue cathartic more generally useful than Pulv. JalapAe Co. in gr. lx. doses, frequently repeated. Dr. Chapman advises its combination thus: - Pulv. JalapAe Co. j. - 3ss., Potas. Bitart. gr. v. - x. - xv., 01. Carui gutt. ij., Aq. fiss., M. To be repeated so as to keep up an unremitting discharge from the bowels.

1665. In Haematuria, The Compound Powder (Ut Supra) Is Spoken Of By Dr

Todd as the most preferable purgative.

1666. In Dysentery, The Pulv

JalapAe Co. was extensively employed by Mr. Twining.§ Next to Castor Oil, it is the best purgative that can be employed in these cases.

1667. In Constipation, depending upon atony of the intestines, Jalap, in combination with a carminative or Calomel, may be given with advantage. In the constipation of goaty subjects, on the eve of an attack, Dr. Burne || advises the following formula: -

Pulv. Jalapae 3ss., Vin. Colchici, T. Hyoscyam., Spt. Lavand. Co. aa f3ss., Aq. Dest. fj., M. ft. haust.

1668. Against Worms, particularly Lumbrici, Jalap, in combination with Calomel, is a safe and efficient vermifuge. It is particularly adapted for children.

* Reformed Practice of Med., p. 882. Diseases of the Abdominal Viscera.

Lectures, Med. Gaz., July 19,1849. § Diseases of Bengal, vol. i p. 69. || On Habitual Constipation, p. 212.

1669. In Diseases of the Brain, Jalap, from its derivative operation, is often administered with advantage. It is best given combined with other purgatives or Calomel.