SENNA 553 



PREPARATIONS. 



Extraetum Sennce Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Senna. (U. S. P.) 



Made by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol, and 

 evaporation, so that 1 Cc. = 1 Gm. of the crude drug. 

 Dose. — Same as senna. 



Pulvis GlycyrrhizcB Compositus. Compound Powder of Glycyrrhissa. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Compound liquorice powder. 



Senna, 180 ; glycyrrhiza, 236 ; washed sulphur, 80 ; oil of fennel, 4; 

 sugar, 500. 



Dose.— D., 3ss. ii. (2.-8.). 



Action Internal. — Senna stimulates and increases the 

 vascularity of the intestinal mucous membrane, and causes 

 increased peristalsis of the large intestines, particularly of 

 the colon. It produces copious pale-yellow- and watery 

 evacuations. The drug has a nauseous taste and purging is 

 accompanied by some griping and flatulence. Senna acts 

 more satisfactorily when combined with other purgative 

 agents. It is absorbed and will occasion catharsis in suck- 

 lings after administration to their mothers, and after intra- 

 venous injection. The urine may be colored red or yellow 

 by its elimination. It is extremely doubtful if senna exerts 

 any influence on biliary secretion. 



Uses. — Senna is but rarely employed in veterinary medi- 

 cine. It may be used where a simple, vigorous cathartic is 

 indicated in constipation, or in cases of slight faecal accumu- 

 lation. 



The drug acts more efi'ectively when given in conjunc- 

 tion with salts. The fluid extract, or an infusion made by 

 pouring boiling water over the leaves and allowing them to 

 macerate until the water becomes cold, are added to solu- 

 tions of magnesium sulphate. This combination is more 

 suitable for cattle or sheep. Compound liquorice powder 

 may be given to dogs as a simple purgative in occasional or 

 habitual constipation. 



