This section is from the book "Practical Materia Medica And Prescription Writing", by Oscar W. Bethea. Also available from Amazon: Practical Materia Medica and Prescription Writing.
Latin, Hydrastis (Gen., Hydrastis)
Eng., Hydrastis. Synonyms, Golden Seal, Yellow Root. The rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis.
Hydrastine (about 2.5 per cent.), Ber. berine, etc.
30 grains (2 Gm.).
Official Preparations, Alkaloids and Salt.
Eng., Extract of Hydrastis. A powdered extract about four times the strength of the drug. Average Dose.-8 grains (0.5 Gm.).
Eng., Fluidextract of Hydrastis. Average Dose.-30 minims (2 mils).
Eng., Glycerite of Hydrastis. Average Dose.-30 minims (2 mils).
Eng., Tincture of Hydrastis. Average Dose.-1 fluidrachm (4 mils).
Eng., Hydrastine. An alkaloid obtained from Hydrastis or prepared synthetically.
1/6 grain (0.01 Gm.).
1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.
Eng., Hydrastine Hydrochloride. Average Dose.-1/6 grain (0.01 Gm.).
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.
Eng., Hydrastin. An impure mixture of alkaloids, resin, etc.
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.
Astringent, antiseptic, bitter tonic. Said to be hemostatic in uterine hemorrhage.
Principally employed in genito-urinary conditions, as gonorrhea, menorrhagia and metrorrhagia; also for chronic gastritis, intestinal indigestion, diarrhea, etc.
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.:
or | |||
Strychninae Sulph................................................. | gr. ss | 03 | |
Hydrastininae Hydrochl................................... | gr. x | |65 | |
Extracti Ergotae.................................................... | gr. xl | 2 | 50 |
M. ft. cap. no. xx.
One two hours after meals.
1 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.
Or:
or | |||
Flext. Hydrastis, | |||
Flext. Ergotae.................................................... | āā | 30 | |
Tinct. Nucis Vomicae................................ | f3iv | 15 | |
Tinct. Aurantii Dulc................................. | q. s. | 120 |
M.
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:
or | |||
Hydrastinae Sulph., | |||
Morphinae Sulph., | |||
Quininae Bisulph............................................ | āā. gr. viij | 5 | |
Muc. Acaciae..................................................... | q. s, | 240 | 0 |
M.
Use as directed. (Not to be taken.)
This constitutes the"Hot Springs Remedy"extensively used in some localities.
 
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