Latin, Santoninum (Gen., Santonini)

Eng., Santonin. The inner anhydride or lactone of Santonic Acid obtained from San-tonica {Artemisia pauciflora).

Form

Colorless prisms, turning yellow on exposure to light.

Odor And Taste

Odorless and nearly tasteless when first put in the mouth, but afterward developing a bitter taste.

Solubility

In about 5300 parts of water or 43 parts of alcohol.

Average Dose

1 grain (0.06 Gm.).

Therapeutic Action

Vermifuge.

Uses

Santonin is used for the removal of roundworms and sometimes, in connection with other measures, for the removal of pinworms.

Administration

It should be remembered that Santonin is a dangerous remedy, sometimes, even in the usual medicinal doses, causing toxic symptoms. Another matter of importance is to advise the family of patient as to the possibility of it causing a yellow- or red- colored urine.

Santonin is prescribed either with some inert substance, as sugar, or with a purgative, particularly the mild mercurous chloride. Its virtue depends largely on its comparative insolubility, which enables it to reach the lower part of the intestinal tract. It is considered desirable, therefore, by many, to administer crystals in preference to powder. In the case of adults this is readily accomplished by prescribing the crystals, with other agents, in capsules. For children, small crystals may be used with granulated sugar or sugar of milk. The crystals may also be incorporated with confection of rose, or made into lozenges with sugar and tragacanth.

In the treatment of roundworms (for child 4 years old):

M. (non trit.) ft. cht. no. iv. Sig.-One every hour.

This is probably best given in the early morning and followed in a few hours by an active purgative. The advantage is an empty stomach and upper intestine, and the patient being under better observation (for toxic symptoms).

The common practice of people purchasing and administering the ready-prepared worm candy and syrups should be unqualifiedly discouraged.