Latin, Balsamum Tolutanum (Gen., Balsami Tolutani)

Eng., Balsann of Tolu. A balsam obtained from Toluifera Balsamum.

Form

A yellowish-brown plastic solid becoming brittle when old or dried or exposed to cold.

Official Preparations.

Syrupus Tolutanus

Eng., Syrup of Tolu. Represents about 1 per cent. of the drug.

Average Dose

4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

Tinctura Tolutana

Eng., Tincture of Tolu. Represents about 20 per cent. of the drug.

Average Dose

30 minims (2 mils).

Tolu is employed in several other official preparations.

Therapeutic Action

Expectorant, stomachic.

Uses

Practically confined to the employment of its preparations as flavors and vehicles, particularly in cough preparations.

Administration

The Syrup is the only form in which the drug is often prescribed.

In the treatment of the cough of measles:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every two hours.

In the treatment of spasmodic croup (child 2 years old):

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every hour till relieved.

1 Anders: Practice of Medicine.

2 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

In the treatment of capillary bronchitis of infants:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every two hours.

In the treatment of a cough:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful every two hours.