NEW DRUGS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19300, 29 September 1932, Page 2

NEW DRUGS

LATEST EDITION OF THE PHARMACOPOEIA The sixth edition of the British Pharmacopoeia. The book is essentially now a record of standards rather than a collection of formulae, and its scientific value is thereby greatly enhanced. Over three hundred and fifty drugs and preparations have been omitted, and while some doctors will grudge the passing of old friends in the form of certain pills, powders, and medicinal wines, these combinations of drugs can still be prescribed, as they will be published In the next edition of the British Pharmaceutical Codex. The way is thus cleared for the inclusion of valuable new drugs for the first time, such as insulin and pituitary extract. Vitamines are represented by the inadidted solution of ergosterol.

the antirachitic value of which is to be determined bv certain biological tests for vitamin D. Indeed, biological tests for drugs and preparations are introduced for the first time in this edition, and new biological products also include certain antitoxins, vaccines, and the special toxins for performing the Schick test for diphtheria (With the prophylactic toxin also mcluded) Certain substances used almost entirely for diagnosis also appear for the first time, such as barium sulphate. used for X-ray work, and a chemical substance called lodophthaleinum" of great value in elucidating problems of gall-bladder disease. The existence of the Health Committee of the League of Nations, with its Permanent Commission on Biological Standardisation and the International Agreement signed in IWO tjF the British Governent, have resulted in many of the changes outlined abo\e. This latter agreement, ratified as far as this country is concerned with a reservation, is concerned with the official formulae of certain potent drugs, and in accordance with this certain preparations have been modified so as to contain the same strength of arsenic, mercury, strychnine, morphine, etc. as in other countries where the agreement has been ratified. Doses are given throughout in metric and imnerial measures and it is recommended that the old-fashioned 'drachm’ and “scruple” should no longer be used.