Unguentum Ipecacuanhae.—Ointment of Ipecacuanha.
Related entries: Ipecacuanha (U. S. P.)—Ipecac - Mezereum (U. S. P.)—Mezereum
Preparation.—Take of ipecacuanha, in powder, 2 drachms; olive oil, 2 fluid drachms; lard, ½ ounce. Mix together.
Action and Medical Uses.—Rubbed on the skin for a few minutes, once or twice a day, this ointment produces an eruption. It is used as a counter-irritant in diseases of the throat, and in pulmonary affections is applied to the chest. When it is desired to make it more active, 1 ½ fluid drachms of croton oil may be added to the formula. If rubbed on the surface for 20 or 30 minutes at a time, repeated 3 or 4 times a day, and covered with flannel after each application, it will produce vesicles in 36 hours.
Related Preparation.—UNGUENTUM MEZEREI (N. F.), Mezereum ointment. "Fluid extract of mezereum (F. 170), twenty-five cubic centimeters (25 Cc.) [406♏︎]; lard, eighty grammes (80 Gm.) [2 ozs. av., 360 grs.]; yellow wax, twelve grammes (12 Gm.) [185 grs.]. Melt together with lard and wax with a moderate heat, add the fluid extract, and stir the mixture constantly until the alcohol has evaporated. Then continue to stir until cool"—(Nat. Form.). This is an irritant, and is applied to obstinate ulcers, wounds, etc., to excite suppuration; sometimes it is used to keep up the discharge from vesicated surfaces.
