Latin, Acacia (Gen., Acaciae; Abbrev., Acac)

Eng., Acacia. Synonym, Gum Arabic. A dried, gummy exudation from Acacia Senegal, and of other African species of Acacia. These are trees growing in Africa.

Form

A' gummy solid substance that is marketed in the form of translucent masses (tears), granular powder or fine, white powder. The granular form is the most convenient for general use.

Odor And Taste

Almost odorless and tasteless.

Solubility

Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol.

Incompatibles

Should not be prescribed with strongly alcoholic liquids, ammonia, lead subacetate, solutions of ferric salts, or sodium borate.

Dose

Ad libitum.

Official Preparations.

Mucilago Acaciae (Gen., Mucilaginis Acaciae; Abbrev., Mucil. Acac)

Eng., Mucilage of Acacia. Acacia, 350 Gm.; Distilled Water, to make 1000 Gm.

Syrupus Acacias (Gen., Syrupi Acaciae; Abbrev., Syr. Acac)

Eng., Syrup of Acacia. Acacia, 100 Gm.; Sugar, 800 Gm.; Distilled Water, to make 1000 mils.

Also used in several other official preparations.

Average Dose

4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

Therapeutic Action

Demulcent.

Uses

Chiefly used to give viscosity or body to liquids, so that after shaking the bottle insoluble matter will remain suspended long enough for a dose to be poured out before it settles. It is also a favorite emulsifying agent and is sometimes used for its demulcent properties.

Mucilage of acacia does not keep well, particularly in warm weather, and preparations containing it often spoil in a few days.

Administration

The following will illustrate some common modes of prescribing:

In the treatment of stomatitis (child 3 years old):

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful every three hours.

In the treatment of the diarrhea of typhoid fever:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful every three hours. (Shake-label.)

In the treatment of acute bronchitis:

M. ft. emul.

Sig

Teaspoonful with water every four hours.