Latin, Hydrastis (Gen., Hydrastis)

Eng., Hydrastis. Synonyms, Golden Seal, Yellow Root. The rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis.

Principal Constituents

Hydrastine (about 2.5 per cent.), Ber. berine, etc.

Average Dose

30 grains (2 Gm.).

Official Preparations, Alkaloids and Salt.

Extraction Hydrastis

Eng., Extract of Hydrastis. A powdered extract about four times the strength of the drug. Average Dose.-8 grains (0.5 Gm.).

Fluidextractum Hydrastis

Eng., Fluidextract of Hydrastis. Average Dose.-30 minims (2 mils).

Glyceritum Hydrastis

Eng., Glycerite of Hydrastis. Average Dose.-30 minims (2 mils).

Tinctura Hydrastis

Eng., Tincture of Hydrastis. Average Dose.-1 fluidrachm (4 mils).

Hydrastina

Eng., Hydrastine. An alkaloid obtained from Hydrastis or prepared synthetically.

Average Dose

1/6 grain (0.01 Gm.).

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

Hydrastinae Hydrochloridum

Eng., Hydrastine Hydrochloride. Average Dose.-1/6 grain (0.01 Gm.).

Hydrastininae Hydrochloridum

Eng., Hydrastinine Hydrochloride. The hydrochloride of an artificial alkaloid derived from Hydrastine. Form.-Yellowish needles or powder. Odor and Taste.-Odorless; bitter taste. Solubility.-Soluble in water and alcohol. Average Dose.-1/2 grain (0.03 Gm.).

Unofficial Preparation.

Hydrastinum

Eng., Hydrastin. An impure mixture of alkaloids, resin, etc.

Average Dose

5 grains (0.3 Gm.).

This should now be replaced by the Extract of Hydrastis.

The unofficial Aqueous Fluidextract of Hydrastis is extensively used. It is miscible with water.

Therapeutic Action

Astringent, antiseptic, bitter tonic. Said to be hemostatic in uterine hemorrhage.

Uses

Principally employed in genito-urinary conditions, as gonorrhea, menorrhagia and metrorrhagia; also for chronic gastritis, intestinal indigestion, diarrhea, etc.

Administration

Care should be exercised to distinguish between the impure Hydrastin and the alkaloid Hydrastine or Hydrastinine Hydrochloride. Mistakes have occurred both on the part of the prescriber and the compounder. The Fluidextract, Hydrastinine Hydrochloride and Hydrastin are the preparations most frequently employed. The alkaloids are not usually recommended for gastric disturbances or in local applications. All of these preparations will stain the skin or clothing.

Some combinations are as follows:

In the treatment of menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, etc.:

Hydrastis Hydrastis 809

or

Strychninae Sulph.................................................

gr. ss

03

Hydrastininae Hydrochl...................................

gr. x

|65

Extracti Ergotae....................................................

gr. xl

2

50

M. ft. cap. no. xx.

Sig

One two hours after meals.

1 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

Or:

Hydrastis Hydrastis 810

or

Flext. Hydrastis,

Flext. Ergotae....................................................

āāHydrastis Hydrastis 811

30

Tinct. Nucis Vomicae................................

f3iv

15

Tinct. Aurantii Dulc.................................

q. s.Hydrastis Hydrastis 812

120

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

Note that the fluidextract is dispensed in an alcoholic vehicle to prevent precipitation. This preparation is of distinctly disagreeable taste, and capsules are usually considered preferable.

As an injection in the treatment of gonorrhea:

Hydrastis Hydrastis 813

or

Hydrastinae Sulph.,

Morphinae Sulph.,

Quininae Bisulph............................................

āā. gr. viij

5

Muc. Acaciae.....................................................

q. s,Hydrastis Hydrastis 814

240

0

M.

Sig

Use as directed. (Not to be taken.)

This constitutes the"Hot Springs Remedy"extensively used in some localities.