Tinctura Catechu Composita (U. S. P.)—Compound Tincture of Catechu.
Related entry: Catechu (U.S. P.)—Catechu
Preparation.—"Catechu, in No. 40 powder, one hundred grammes (100 Gm.) [3 ozs. av., 231 grs.]; cassia cinnamon, in No. 40 powder, fifty grammes (50 Gm.) [1 oz. av., 334 grs.]; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Mix the powders, and, without moistening, pack the mixture firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then gradually pour diluted alcohol upon it, until one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎] of tincture are obtained"—(U. S. P.). This tincture may also be made by maceration. It has a dark brown-red color, and is acid to test-paper. On long keeping it is apt to gelatinize, and thus become inert.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This forms an astringent tincture, useful in chronic diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, etc. The dose is from 1 to 3 fluid drachms. It may be administered in some mucilage, sweetened water, or port wine.
