PHYSOSTIGMINE SALICYLATE

Chemical Properties

solid

Uses

Physostigmine salicylate (Eserine salicylate) is used as bulk pharmaceuticals (parasympathomimetic, cholinergic, ophthalmic, anti-Alzheimer). Product Data Sheet

Uses

cholinergic, anticholinesterase, miotic

Definition

ChEBI: Physostigmine salicylate is an azaheterocycle salicylate salt and a member of salicylates. It contains a physostigmine.

brand name

Antilirium (Forest); Isopto Eserine (Alcon).

General Description

The salicylate ofphysostigmine (eserine salicylate) may be prepared byneutralizing an ethereal solution of the alkaloid with anethereal solution of salicylic acid. Excess salicylic acid isremoved from the precipitated product by washing itwith ether. The salicylate is less deliquescent than thesulfate.
Physostigmine salicylate occurs as a white, shining,odorless crystal or white powder that is soluble in water(1:75), alcohol (1:16), or chloroform (1:6) but much lesssoluble in ether (1:250). On prolonged exposure to air andlight, the crystals turn red. The red may be removed bywashing the crystals with alcohol, although this causes lossof the compound as well. Aqueous solutions are neutral orslightly acidic and take on a red coloration after a period.The coloration may be taken as an index of the loss of activityof physostigmine solutions.

General Description

Crystal form that turns red on exposure to heat or light.

Reactivity Profile

Behaves as a weak acid in solution.

Health Hazard

PHYSOSTIGMINE SALICYLATE is similar to physostigmine. It is classified as super toxic. The probable oral lethal dose (humans) is less than 5 mg/kg or a taste for a 150 lb. person. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor.

Fire Hazard

When heated to decomposition, PHYSOSTIGMINE SALICYLATE emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes. Human systemic effects: arrhythmias, nausea or vomiting. Experimental reproductive effects. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx See also PHYSOSTIGMINE.