Botkin Drops

Botkin Drops, Powder. Botkin drops, Guttae Botkini s. Tinctura stomachica Botkini, proposed by S. P. Botkin, are a transparent reddish-brown liquid with an ether minty smell, acidic reaction, and strongly bitter taste. According to formula (VII), they are prepared by dissolving 15 parts of hydrochloride quinine in a mixture of 120 parts of compound quinine tincture, 120 parts of Hoffman's drops, 23 parts of diluted hydrochloric acid, and 2 parts of peppermint oil. They are used for acute diarrhea at 15-20-30 drops, several times a day, on sugar, with red wine, or with mucilaginous liquids. Botkin powder, Pulvis aerophorus laxans Botkini, is a white, dry, crystalline powder, soluble in water with the release of CO₂, resulting in a transparent colorless solution of bitter taste. It is prepared by mixing 125 parts of dry sodium sulfate with 375 parts of powdered tartaric acid; the mixture is dried by heating in a warm mortar or in a drying oven, after which 500 parts of sodium bicarbonate are added. It is used as a mild laxative, internally, on an empty stomach, at a teaspoonful per dose in a glass of water.