713. Misbranding of Special Formula Tablets S. C. Purple. V. S. v. 51,000 Special
Formula Tablets S. G. Purple. Default decree of condemnation and de-
struction.    (P. D. C. No. 6902.    Sample No. 40889-E.)
These tablets contained strychnine and the labeling failed to bear adequate
directions for use and such adequate warnings as are necessary for the protection
of users.
On February 20, 1942, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania filed a libel against the above-named product at Philadelphia, Pa.,
alleging that the article had been shipped in interstate commerce on or about
October 20, 1941, by the Purity Drug Co. from Passaic, N. J.; and charging that
It was misbranded.
Analysis showed that the article contained yohimbe bark, a strychnine com-
pound, a magnesium compound, zinc phosphide, and extracts of plant drugs,
such as damiana.
The article was alleged to be misbranded in that its labeling failed to bear
adequate directions for use since the statement on the drum label, "Dose: To be
taken as directed by physician," did not constitute adequate directions for use.
It was alleged to be misbranded further in that its labeling failed to bear such
adequate warnings against use by children where its use might be dangerous to
health, or against unsafe dosage or duration of administration, in such manner
and form as are necessary for the protection of users since there were no warnings
against frequent or long continued use under circumstances which might result
in strychnine poisoning, nor was there any warning that the use of the article,
because of its strychnine content, might be particularly dangerous to children
and aged persons.
On May 1, 1942, no claimant having appeared, judgment of condemnation was
entered and the product was ordered destroyed.