Extractum Lobeliae Fluidum (U. S. P.)—Fluid Extract of Lobelia.
Related entry: Lobelia (U. S. P.)—Lobelia - Compound Fluid Extract of Lobelia.
Preparation.—"Lobelia, in No. 60 powder, one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Moisten the powder with three hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (350 Cc.) [11 fl℥, 401♏︎] of diluted alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough diluted alcohol to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 48 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding diluted alcohol, until the lobelia is exhausted. Reserve the first eight hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (850 Cc.) [28 fl℥, 356♏︎] of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(U. S. P.).
Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This is a dark greenish-brown fluid exhibiting the acrid and nauseating properties of lobelia. It may be used wherever lobelia is indicated. The dose is from 5 minims to 1 fluid drachm, according to the effect required, and which are equivalent to 5 grains to 1 drachm of the powder.
