Latin, Aconitum (Gen., Aconiti)

Eng., Aconite. Synonyms, Monkshood, Wolfbane, Aconite Root. The dried tuberous root of Aconitum napellus.

Principal Constituents

Aconitine, about 0.5 per cent.

Average Dose

1/2 grain (0.03 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Extractum Aconiti (Gen., Extracti Aconiti)

Eng., Extract of Aconite. A powder about four times the strength of the powdered root. Average Dose.- 1/6 grain (0.01 Gm.).

Fluidextractum Aconiti (Gen., Fluidextracti Aconiti)

Eng., Fluidex-tract of Aconite.

Average Dose

1/2 minim (0.03 mil).

Tinctura Aconiti (Gen., Tincturae Aconiti)

Eng., Tincture of Aconite.

Represents 10 per cent. of Aconite, in alcohol 70 per cent. and water 30 per cent.

Average Dose

5 minims (0.3 mil).

Before the eighth revision of the Pharmacopoeia this preparation was 35 per cent., so allowance must be made for dosage of old books.

Aconitina (Gen., Aconitinae)

Eng., Aconitine. Average Dose.-1/400 grain (0.00015 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Depressant, antipyretic (?), diaphoretic, antiseptic, local anodyne.

Uses

This drug is not used as much as formerly. It is sometimes given in the early stages of fevers of the sthenic type, as pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, etc. Recommended in combination with other agents for the reduction of high blood-pressure. Locally the tincture is extensively used in combination with tincture of iodine as an application in the treatment of tonsillitis, diphtheria, scarlatina, toothache, swollen glands, furuncles, infections, etc.

Administration

Aconite is usually employed in the form of the tincture either alone or with other agents. It is miscible with water or alcohol in any proportions. Aconitine is seldom prescribed or used. It is sometimes administered hypodermically by the physician.

The manner of prescribing is shown in the following: In the treatment of the primary stages of conditions characterized by high temperature, tension, etc.:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every three hours until relieved.

Or:

M.

Sig

Tablespoonful in water every two hours.

In the interval treatment of spasmodic laryngitis:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every two hours. (Shake-label.)

As a local application for toothache, inflamed glands, furuncle, etc.:

M.

Sig

Apply as directed. (Poison-label.)

* In the treatment of neuralgia (to be applied with friction along the course of the affected nerve):

M.

Sig

Apply as directed. (Poison-label.)

In the treatment of epididymitis:

M.

Sig

Keep applied on cotton.

1 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

2 Ibid.

3 Shoemaker: Materia Medica and Therapeutics.

4 White and Martin: Genito-urinary and Venereal Diseases.