Latin, Pix Liquida (Gen., Picis Liquidae)

Eng., Tar. A product obtained by the destructive distillation of the wood of Pinus palustris and other species of Pinus.

Form

A blackish-brown semi-liquid.

Odor And Taste

Empyreumatic, terebinthinate odor; sharp, empyreumatic taste.

Solubility

Only slightly soluble in water. Almost entirely soluble in alcohol.

Average Dose

8 grains (0.5 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Syrupus Picis Liquidae

Eng., Syrup of Tar. Represents about 0.5 per cent. of tar.

Average Dose

1 fluidrachm (4 mils).

Unguentum Picis Liquidae

Eng., Tar Ointment. Contains 50 per cent. of tar.

Oleum Picis Liquidae Rectificatum

Eng., Rectified Oil of Tar. A volatile oil distilled from tar.

Average Dose

3 minims (0.2 mil).

Therapeutic Action

Antiseptic, irritant, expectorant, diuretic.

Uses

Tar or its preparations are used in the treatment of many skin diseases, particularly of the chronic type; also for coughs, bronchitis and kindred conditions.

Administration

The following will illustrate the manner of prescribing:

In the treatment of eczema of the feet and legs:

Pix Liquida Tar 1160

or

Phenolis...........

gr. x

65

Olei Cadini...................

Pix Liquida Tar 1161 X

65

Picis Liquidae..............

gr. xx

1

30

Ung. Aquae Rosae.................

Pix Liquida Tar 1162

30

00

M.

Sig

Apply thoroughly twice a day.

1 Ohmann-Dumesnil: Diseases of the Skin.

In the treatment of ecthyma:

Pix Liquida Tar 1163

or

Acidi Borici......................................................

gr. x

65

Bismuthi Subnit...........................................

3j

4

00

Picis Liquidae...............................................

gr. xx

1

30

Ung. Aquae Rosae..............................................

q.sPix Liquida Tar 1164

30

00

M.

Sig

Apply on a cloth twice a day.