Properties : Sodium chlorid occurs as a colorles or white crystalline powder, odorless and having a purely saline taste. It is freely soluble in water (1: 2.8) and nearly insoluble in alcohol.

Incompatibilities: Sodium chlorid is incompatible with salts of silver and lead.

Action and Uses: Sodium chlorid is used for preparing physiologic salt solution: 9 gm. to 1,000 c.c. of sterile water. This solution is frequently referred to as normal salt solution, but should not be confused with the chemical normal solution of sodium chlorid. When given by mouth in large doses sodium chlorid is emetic, and, in proper dilution, a prompt laxative.

Dosage: As an emetic, 16 gm. or 240 grains. As a laxative it is most conveniently given in 1 per cent, solution. The dose, 4 gm. or 60 grains, should be dissolved in from 0.5 to 1 liter (from 1 to 2 pints) of water and drunk on an empty stomach.