GLYCERIN 581 



insoluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disnlphide, benzin, 

 benzol, and fixed and volatile oils. Reaction neutral. Glyc- 

 erin is a solvent for alkaloids, digestive ferments, fixed 

 alkalies, bromine, iodine, tannin, extracts, salicin, borax, 

 boric acid, carbolic acid, etc. 



Dose.—K. & C, 5i. (30.); D., 3 ss.-i. (2.-4). 



PREPARATIONS. 



Glyceritum Amyli. Glycerite of Starch. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Starch, 10; water, 10; glycerin, 80. Made by solution with heat. 

 There are also official glycerites of carbolic acid (1-4), of tannic acid 

 (1-4), of boroglycerin (31 per cent.), of hydrastis, and of yolk of egg, 

 glyceritum vitelli or glyconin (45 per cent). 



Suppositoria Olycerini. Suppositories of Glycerin. (U. S. P.) 



Glycerin, 60 Gm. ; sodium carbonate, 3 Gm. ; stearic acid, 5 Gm. 

 Made by solution with heat and moulded into ten suppositories contain- 

 ing 6 Gm. or 3 i.ss. each. 



Action External. — Glycerin is hydroscopic, emollient, 

 sometimes parasiticidal, and antiseptic. It does not evaporate 

 or become rancid. The chief medicinal value of glycerin 

 depends upon its affinity for water, and sliglit volatility, so 

 that (in solution) it keeps moist the surface to which it is 

 applied. Pure glycerin is, however, slightly irritant to the 

 skin and may cause some inflammation of raw surfaces and 

 mucous membranes on account of withdrawal of water from 

 the tissues. It should therefore be diluted with water for 

 most therapeutic purposes. 



' Action Internal. — Glycerin is absorbed but is only 



slightly oxidized in the body, and is of little value as a 

 nutritive. It may give rise to a substance in the urine which 

 reduces cupric oxide and renders the sugar test positive. It 

 is somewhat antiseptic in the digestive tract, and appears 

 to inhibit the formation of glycogen in the liver in some 

 cases of glycosuria. Large doses are slightly purgative. 

 Enormous quantities cause poisoning in animals, with 

 the production of hsen^oglobinuria, muscular weakness, 

 dryness of the mucous membranes, collapse, and death. 



