Vinum Colchici Radicis (U. S. P.)—Wine of Colchicum Root.
Related entry: Colchicum.—Colchicum
Preparation.—"Colchicum root, in No. 30 powder, four hundred grammes (400 Gm.) [14 ozs. av., 48 grs.]; alcohol, one hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (150 Cc.) [5 fl℥, 35♏︎]; white wine, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Mix the alcohol with eight hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (850 Cc.) [28 fl℥, 356♏︎] of white wine. Moisten the powder with one hundred cubic centimeters (100 Cc.) [3 fl℥, 183♏︎] of the menstruum, pack it moderately in a conical glass percolator, and gradually pour upon it, first, the remainder of the menstruum, and afterward enough white wine to make the product measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(U. S. P.).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—The want of uniformity of strength in the colchicum bulb brought to this country, requires it to be used in large amount, as compared with its menstruum, in order to secure an efficient vinous solution of it. Wine of colchicum root has been used in gout, gouty rheumatism, and neuralgia. Its effects will be much more decided in many instances, by associating it with a solution of sulphate of morphine, and exhibiting it in conjunction with magnesia or magnesium sulphate. Overdoses may occasion serious results. The dose is from 5 to 60 minims, every 3 or 4 hours, or oftener when the symptoms are urgent, continuing its use until its peculiar effects have manifested themselves.
