DOSAGE: 0.3 Gm. or 5 grains (N.F.). _Fluidextractum Paracoto (Fldext. Paracot.), Fluidextract of Paracoto, N.F._ (Fluidextractum Coto, N.F. III).--Paracoto (100%). Absolute alcohol content about 75 per cent. DOSAGE: 0.3 Cc. or 5 minims (N.F.). _Tinctura Paracoto (Tr. Paracoto), Tincture of Paracoto, N.F._ (Tinctura Coto, N.F. III).--Paracoto (12.5%) in alcohol. Absolute alcohol content about 90 per cent. USES: Antidiarrheic, of doubtful efficacy. DOSAGE: 2 Cc. or 30 minims (N.F.). =*Paraffinum (Paraff.), Paraffin, U.S.P.=--A purified mixture of solid hydrocarbons, usually obtained from petroleum. A white, waxy, odorless and tasteless solid, greasy to the touch, melting between 50 and 57 C. ACTION AND USES: Used in surgery for prosthetic purposes and in pharmacy for raising the melting point of ointments and similar products. =Paraformaldehydum (Paraform.), Paraformaldehyde, U.S.P.= (Paraform, Trioxymethylene).--A polymeric form of formaldehyde. White friable masses or powder with a slight odor of formaldehyde. Soluble in cold water, insoluble in alcohol or ether. ACTION AND USES: Employed in place of formaldehyde to disinfect rooms by vaporization in presence of moisture (to insure formation of formaldehyde). As it is active only if decomposed there may be some doubt as to its efficiency. Internally, it has been used as intestinal antiseptic, but is probably useless and may be harmful. =*Paraldehydum (Paraldehyd.), Paraldehyde, U.S.P.=--A polymer of acetaldehyde. A colorless liquid, having a strong, characteristic odor and an extremely unpleasant taste, and producing first a burning and then a cooling sensation in the mouth. Soluble in water (1:8), and miscible with alcohol or chloroform. ACTION AND USES: Prompt and fairly active hypnotic and sedative devoid of serious side-effects. DOSAGE: 2 Cc. or 30 minims (U.S.P.). Best administered with cracked ice or ice-cold liquids. =Pareira (Pareira), Pareira, N.F.= (Pareira Brava).--Roots. ACTION AND USES: Obsolete bitter tonic. DOSAGE: 2 Gm. or 30 grains (N.F.). _Fluidextractum Pareirae (Fldext. Pareir.), Fluidextract of Pareira, N.F._--Pareira (100%). Absolute alcohol content about 40 per cent. DOSAGE: 2 Cc. or 30 minims (N.F.). =Passiflora (Passiflor.), Passion Flower, N.F.= (Passion Vine).--Dried herbage. ACTION AND USES: Exploited by manufacturers of proprietary remedies for the treatment of insomnia, but probably inert. DOSAGE: 0.2 Gm. or 3 grains (N.F.). _Tinctura Passiflorae (Tr. Passiflor.), Tincture of Passion Flower, N.F._--Passion flower (20%), in diluted alcohol. Absolute alcohol content about 45 per cent. DOSAGE: 0.6 Cc. or 10 minims (N.F.).