The hydrochloride of an artificial alkaloid derived from hydrastine.
PROPERTIES.--Light, yellow, amorphous granules, or a pale yellow
crystalline powder; odorless and having a bitter, saline taste;
deliquescent on exposure to damp air. Very soluble in cold and hot water
and in alcohol.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 6 grs.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1¹⁄₂ grs.;
dogs, ¹⁄₁₂ to ¹⁄₄ gr.
ACTION AND USES.--It acts like the simple bitters, promotes appetite and
aids digestion, increases nutrition and stimulates secretion, especially
of the intestines and liver. It is a stomach tonic, laxative, slightly
diuretic and hepatic stimulant. It is also said to promote uterine
constructions, and has some power as an antispasmodic. Externally it is
an antiseptic and astringent. Useful in conjunctivitis, nasal gleet and
leucorrhoea; one to two drachms of the fluid extract or glycerite to the
ounce of distilled water. One to two drachms of the fluidextract of
hydrastis to one ounce of water is useful as a gargle for sore throat.
Equal parts of fluidextract of ergot and fluidextract of hydrastis is
useful in ulceration of the uterus, vagina and in eversion of the
rectum. Useful internally during convalescence after debilitating
diseases, as in influenza and distemper, or whenever a bitter tonic is
indicated, as in dyspepsia, chronic gastric catarrh, catarrhal jaundice,
constipation from chronic nephritis and chronic cystitis. The glycerite
applied locally for fissure of teats, cracked heels. Where there is a
tendency to constipation it should be used as a bitter in preference to
gentian, etc.