Oleatum Veratrinae (U. S. P.)—Oleate of Veratrine.
Related entries: Veratrina.—Veratrine
Preparation.—"Veratrine, two grammes (2 Gm.) [31 grs.]; oleic acid, ninety-eight grammes (98 Gm.) [3 ozs. av., 200 grs.]. To make one hundred grammes (100Gm.) [3 ozs., 231 grs.]. Rub the veratrine with a small quantity of oleic acid, in a warm mortar, to a smooth paste. Then add the remainder of the oleic acid, previously warmed, and stir frequently until the veratrine is dissolved"—(U.S.P.).
This preparation contains 2 per cent of veratrine. The other alkaloidal oleates may be made after this formula, when a 2 per cent strength is desired; should a 5 per cent preparation be wanted, as is usually the case with cocaine and morphine, use 5 parts of the alkaloid and 95 parts of oleic acid. Quinine oleate is usually 25 per cent in strength; for making this use 25 parts of the alkaloid and 75 parts of oleic acid.
Action and Medical Uses.—This oleate is just half the strength of veratrine ointment. It is employed in localized neuralgia, and well adapted for inunction purposes. Where it is desired that the alkaloid shall not be absorbed the ointment is preferable.
Other Oleates.—OLEATUM ACONITINAE (N. F.), Oleate of aconitine. "Aconitine, alkaloid, two grammes (2 Gm.) [31 grs.]; oleic acid, ninety-eight grammes (98 Gm.) [3 ozs. av., 200 grs.]. Triturate the aconitine with a small portion of the oleic acid in a mortar, then incorporate the remainder of the oleic acid, and stir the mixture frequently until the alkaloid is dissolved. Note.—The market affords a variety of aconitines made by different processes, by different manufacturers, and of greatly different potency. Only the pure crystallized or crystallizable alkaloid, prepared by Duquesnel's method, or at least one equal to it in strength, should be used for this preparation"—(Nat. Form.). This agent, in very small amounts, is employed as a topical application for local neuralgias (see article by E. R. Squibb, in Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1882, p. 572). This preparation is a dangerous remedy, and is seldom employed by Eclectic physicians.
OLEATUM QUININAE (N. F.), Oleate of quinine.—"Quinine (U. S. P.), dried at 100° C. (212° F.), until it ceases to lose weight, twenty-five grammes (25 Gm.) [386 grs.]; oleic acid, seventy-five grammes (75 Gm.) [2 ozs. av., 282 grs.]. Triturate the quinine with the oleic acid, gradually added, then apply a gentle heat, and stir frequently, until the quinine is dissolved. The product contains 25 per cent of dry quinine. Note.—When the official quinine (C20H24N2O2.3H2O) is not available, the quantity corresponding to 25 grammes of dry quinine may be prepared as follows: Take 34 grammes of official quinine sulphate, dissolve it in 200 grammes of water with the aid of a sufficient quantity of diluted sulphuric acid, then precipitate the quinine by means of water of ammonia, added, under constant stirring, until it is in slight excess. Transfer the magma to a close muslin strainer, previously wetted, allow the liquid to drain off, and wash the precipitate with ice-cold water, until the washings are practically tasteless, but using not more than about 200 grammes of water. Lastly, dry the precipitate. The theoretical quantity of dry quinine obtainable from 34 grammes of the sulphate is 25.27 grammes. In practice, approximately 25 grammes will be obtained"—(Nat. Form.). Its uses are those of quinine by inunction.
