Latin, Petrolatum (Gen., Petrolati)

Eng., Petrolatum. Synonym, Petroleum Jelly, Vaselin, Cosmoline, etc.

A purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum.

Form

An unctuous mass, varying in color from yellowish to light amber.

Odor And Taste

Odorless and tasteless.

Solubility

Insoluble in water or alcohol.

Petrolatum Album

Eng., White Petrolatum. A white, unctuous mass. Odor and Taste and Solubility.-Same as Petrolatum.

Petrolatum Liquidum

Eng., Liquid Petrolatum. Synonym, Hydrocarbon Oil, Liquid Paraffin, American Oil, Russian Oil, etc. Form.-A colorless, oily liquid. Odor and Taste.-Odorless and Tasteless. Solubility.-Insoluble in water or alcohol. Average Dose.-4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

The Heavy and Light Liquid Petrolatum are recognized.

Therapeutic Action

Emollient, lubricant, laxative.

Uses

Petrolatum is principally used as a vehicle and.lubricant, though its emollient action is a factor in its selection. The Liquid Petrolatum is now extensively employed in the treatment of chronic constipation.

1 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

Administration

The following illustrates the employment of these agents:

In the treatment of pruritus:

M. tere bene.

Sig

Apply locally.

In the treatment of scabies:

M.

Sig

Apply as directed.

As a vehicle for a nasal spray:

M.

Sig

Spray nose every four hours.

As a laxative:

Sig

Tablespoonful night and morning.