An isoquinoline alkaloid. Molecular formula [C20H18NO4]+. Also known as Berberine . It is found in many plants of 4 families and 10 genera such as Berberidaceae. Berberine can be precipitated from ether as yellow needle-like crystals. Melting point 145℃. Soluble in water, insoluble in benzene, ether and chloroform. Berberine is a kind of quaternary ammonium alkaloids, the solubility of its salts in water is relatively small, for example, the hydrochloride is 1:500, the sulfate is 1:30. berberine crystals precipitated from water or dilute ethanol with 5.5 molecules of water of crystallization; if it is crystallized from chloroform, acetone or benzene, it also carries the corresponding molecules of crystallization solvent. Berberine can be treated with different bases to obtain three different forms of berberine such as quaternary ammonium, aldehyde and alcohol, among which the quaternary ammonium form is the most stable. Berberine has antibacterial effects on hemolytic streptococcus, staphylococcus aureus, gonococcus, and Freund's and Shigella dysentery bacillus, and enhances phagocytosis of white blood cells. Berberine hydrochloride (commonly known as berberine hydrochloride) has been widely used in the treatment of gastroenteritis, bacillary dysentery, etc. It is also effective in the treatment of tuberculosis, scarlet fever, acute tonsillitis and respiratory tract infections

Use and dosage

Orally, 0.1- 0.3g, 3 times a day. The concentration of the drug is 0.6-1.0% for external use and topical application.

Intravenous administration is strictly prohibited.

[Preparation and specification]Berberine hydrochloride tablets(1) 0.05g(2) 0.1g

Orally, 0.2-0.4g, 3 times a day. Antiarrhythmic, 0.6-1g once a day, 3 times a day.

[Formulation]Tablet: 0.025g; 0.05g; 0.1g per tablet.

Capsule: 0.1g per capsule.

Contraindication

While it can be used in children, it is contraindicated in children with hereditary 6-phosphoglucose dehydrogenase deficiency, as it can cause hemolytic anemia leading to jaundice.

Adverse reactions

(1) Oral adverse reactions are rare, occasional nausea, vomiting, rash and medicinal fever, which disappear after stopping the drug.

(2) Intravenous injection or drip can cause vasodilatation, blood pressure drop, cardiac inhibition and other reactions, and in severe cases, Asperger's syndrome occurs, and even death. China has announced the elimination of various injections of berberine hydrochloride.

A few people have mild abdominal or stomach discomfort, constipation or diarrhea.