Latin, Veratrum Viride

Eng., Veratrum Viride. Synonyms, Veratrum (U. S. P., viii), American Hellebore, Green Hellebore. The dried rhizome and roots of Veratrum viride.

Average Dose

1 grain (0.06 Gm.).

Official Preparations and Constituent.

Fluidextractum Veratri Viridis

Eng., Fluidextract of Veratrum Average Dose.-1 1/2 minims (0.1 mil).

Tinctura Veratri Viridis

Eng., Tincture of Veratrum Viride. Represents 10 per cent. of the drug.

Average Dose

8 minims (0.5 mil.).

Veratrina

Eng., Veratrine. A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seed of Asagraea officinalis.

1 Anders: Practice of Medicine.

Form

A white or grayish-white powder.

Odor And Taste

Odorless, but causing intense irritation and sneezing when even a minute quantity reaches the nasal mucous membrane. An acrid taste, leaving a sensation of tingling and numbness on the tongue.

Solubility

In 1760 parts of water or 2.8 parts of alcohol.

Average Dose

1/30 grain (0.002 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Circulatory depressant, antipyretic, antispasmodic.

Uses

Employed in the treatment of eclampsia, and other conditions characterized by high blood-pressure. Sometimes used in the early stages of acute febrile conditions.

Administration

The tincture of veratrum viride is sometimes given by mouth. It is usually prescribed alone. For eclampsia, the drug is used by hypodermic injection, either the fluidextract, tincture, or veratrine being employed.