Latin, Phenolphthaleinum (Gen., Phenolphthaleini)

Eng., Phe-nolphthalein. A phenol derivative.

Form

A white or faintly yellowish-white, crystalline powder.

Odor And Taste

Odorless and tasteless.

Solubility

Almost insoluble in water. Soluble in 13 parts of alcohol.

Average Dose

2l/2 grains (0.15 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Purgative.

Uses

Promotes the emptying of the intestinal tract, particularly in chronic constipation.

Administration

Tablets from one to five grains are on the market, and are a convenient form of using the drug. It is frequently prescribed in powder or capsules, alone, or with other agents. The following will illustrate.

1 Ashton: Practice of Gynecology.

For chronic constipation:

Phenolphthaleinum Phenolphthalein 1156

Tab. Phenolphthaleini (3 gr.)........................

no. xx.

Sig

One every night when necessary.

As a purgative:

Phenolphthaleinum Phenolphthalein 1157

or

Hydrarg. Chlor. Mitis,

Phenolphthaleini,

Rhei Pulv...........................................................

āā. gr. v

3

M. ft. cap. no. iij.

Sig

Take an hour apart.

Phenylis Salicylas

See Acidum Salicylicum.