Latin, Oleum Morrhuae (Gen., Olei Morrhuae)

Eng., Codliver Oil. Synonym, Oleum Jecoris Aselli. A fixed oil obtained from the fresh livers of Gadus morrhua and other species of Gadus.

Average Dose

2 1/2 fluidrachms (10 mils).

Official Preparation.

Emulsum Olei Morrhuae

Eng., Emulsion of Codliver Oil. Contains SO per cent. of the Oil.

Average Dose

4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

Unofficial Preparation.

Emulsum Olei Morrhuae Cum Hypophosphitibus

Eng., Emulsion of Codliver Oil with Hypophosphites. Codliver Oil, 500 mils; Acacia, 125 Gm.; Calcium Hypophosphite, 10 Gm.; Potassium Hypophosphite, 5 Gm.; Sodium Hypophosphite, 5 Gm.; Oil of Gaultheria, 4 mils; Water, to make 1000 mils.

Average Dose

4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

Therapeutic Action

Emollient, nutrient, tonic, alterative.

Uses

Extensively employed in the treatment of tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, rachitis, etc. Sometimes used externally for chronic skin diseases, as eczema.

Administration

A satisfactory way for the patient to take the emulsion is by first pouring into a graduated glass a table-spoonful of"Beef, Iron and Wine,"and then pouring in the oil preparation. The wine envelops the thick emulsion so that it can be taken at one swallow, almost without taste. The wine preparation is, of course, of therapeutic advantage. Attention is directed to the so-called Wines of Codliver Oil and Tasteless Preparations that really contain none of the oil at all.

The Emulsions of Codliver Oil, particularly the one with hypo-phosphites, are seldom prepared extemporaneously. They are thick and hard to pour from a small-mouth bottle; so it is usually best to prescribe a pint, the druggist then giving an original package and merely putting on a new label.