Asafcetida (Gen., Asafoetidae)

Eng., Asafetida. Synonym, Gum Asafetida. A gum-resin obtained by incising the rhizomes and roots of Ferula asafaetida and Ferula faetida, and of some other species of Ferula indigenous to Persia and adjacent countries, yielding not less than 60 per cent. (or, if powdered, 50 per cent.) of alcohol-soluble constituents.

Form

a soft solid usually appearing in the form of brownish, irregular masses.

Odor And Taste

Disagreeable odor and taste.

1 Rubrah: Diseases of Children.

Solubility

Active constituents insoluble in water. Soluble in alcohol.

Average Dose

4 grains (0.25 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Emulsum Asafoetidae

Eng., Emulsion of Asafetida. Contains 4 per cent. of Asafetida.

Average Dose

4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

Pilulae Asafcetidae

Eng., Pills of Asafetida. Each pill contains about 3 grains of Asafetida. Average Dose.-2 pills.

Tinctura Asafoetidae

Eng., Tincture of Asafetida. Represents 20 per cent. of Asafetida in alcohol.

Average- Dose

15 minims (1 mil.).

Therapeutic Action

Carminative, sedative, antispasmodic.

Uses

By mouth it is sometimes given for nervousness, hysteria, flatulence, whooping-cough and kindred conditions. By enema it is extensively used to relieve the tympanites of typhoid, pelvic inflammation, peritonitis, etc.

Administration

Owing to the extremely disagreeable odor and taste, asafetida is not often prescribed for administration by mouth.

The following prescriptions illustrate its employment:

Sig

One after each meal.

Or:

M. ft. cap. no. x.

Sig

One after each meal.

In the treatment of neurasthenia, hysteria, etc.:

M. ft. cap. no. xx.

Sig

One after each meal.

1 Shoemaker: Materia Medica and Therapeutics.

As an enema to remove intestinal gas:

Sig

Use tablespoonful to 1/2 gallon warm water as directed.