The anhydrid of ortho-sulphamid-benzoic acid (Benzo-sulphonic-imid).

Properties : Benzosulphinimid is a white, crystalline powder, nearly odorless, having an intensely sweet taste even in dilute solutions. It is soluble in alcohol (1 :25), but only slightly soluble in water (1:250). The addition of an alkali materially increases the solubility of saccharin in water by formation of a salt, and it is often prescribed mixed with an equal quantity of sodium bicarbonate or in the form of a sodium salt known as "soluble saccharin." Saccharin is about 500 times as sweet as sugar, but has a slightly different taste which is generally objected to after continued use.

Action and Uses: Saccharin has no pronounced pharmacologic effect. It slightly retards the action of the digestive ferments and in very large doses intravenously produces some depression and stupor. The saccharin administered is excreted almost unchanged in the urine

It is used as a substitute for sugar in the food of diabetics. It must be remembered that saccharin has no food value. Some observers believe it to be always harmful.

Dosage: 0.2 gm. or 3 grains. It may be mixed with an equal weight of sodium bicarbonate to insure its solubility. A ½ grain tablet is the most useful.