Tinctura Sennae.—Tincture of Senna.
Related entry: Senna (U. S. P.)—Senna
SYNONYMS: Tinctura sennae composita, Elixir salutis.
Preparation.—Take of senna, broken small, 2 ½ ounces (av.); raisins, freed from seeds, 2 ounces (av.); caraway fruit, bruised, ½ ounce (av.); coriander fruit, bruised, ½ ounce (av.); proof-spirit, 1 pint (Imp.). Macerate the solid ingredients for 48 hours in 15 fluid ounces of the spirit, in a closed vessel, agitating occasionally; then transfer to a percolator, and when the fluid ceases to pass, continue the percolation with the remaining 5 ounces of spirit. Afterward subject the contents of the percolator to pressure, filter the product, mix the liquids, and add sufficient proof-spirit to make 1 pint"—(Br. Pharm., 1885). The British Pharmacopoeia (1898) directs the employment of a somewhat larger quantity of senna (4 ounces, Imp.).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—(See Senna.) Dose, from 1 to 4 fluid drachms.
Related Tincture.—TINCTURA SENNAE COMPOSITA, Compound tincture of senna, Elixir salutis. Take of Alexandria senna, 2 ounces; jalap, in fine powder, 1 ounce; fennel or coriander seeds, ½ ounce; raisins, deprived of their seeds, 3 ounces; best French brandy, or diluted alcohol, 2 pints, or a sufficient quantity. Form into a tincture by maceration or percolation, as explained under Tincturae, and make 2 pints of tincture (Ed.—Lond.). This is an excellent purgative, especially for children, as it acts mildly and pleasantly. It is also useful in cases of constipation attended with flatulence. The dose for an adult is from ½ to 1 fluid ounce; for a child a year old, 1 fluid drachm. It may be given in a little sweetened water.
