Aqua Amygdalae Amarae (U. S. P.)—Bitter Almond Water.
Related entry: Amygdala.—Almond
Preparation.—"Oil of bitter almond, one cubic centimeter (1 Cc.) [16♏︎︎]; distilled water, nine hundred and ninety-nine cubic centimeters (999 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 374♏︎︎], to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎︎]. Dissolve the oil in the distilled water by agitation, and filter through a well-wetted filter"—(U. S. P.).
This medicated water soon undergoes decomposition, on which account it should only be prepared as required, and never in large quantities. It is a sedative, of the character of hydrocyanic acid, and is preferable to the distilled water of bitter almonds; which is more dangerous in its effects upon the system, and which is sold under the same name; great care is required to distinguish between these two preparations in dispensing prescriptions.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Bitter almond water may be used in all cases where hydrocyanic acid or its sedative compounds are useful, as in whooping-cough, pulmonary affections, etc. It is more commonly used as an addition to other medicines to impart its peculiar flavor to them. The dose of bitter almond water, when freshly made, is from 1 to 2 fluid drachms, which may be repeated 2 or 3 times daily. Care should be had not to confound this preparation with some of the European preparations which are much stronger. Even this is uncertain in strength, and not very safe as a remedy.
