Properties : Zinc sulphate occurs as colorless, transparent, rhombic crystals, or granular crystalline powder, without odor, and having an astringent, metallic taste. It is very soluble in water, but practically insoluble in alcohol.

Incompatibilities: Alkali carbonates, sodium borate, tannin and vegetable astringents.

Action and Uses: Zinc sulphate is astringent, styptic and emetic. It is much used in collyria in conjunctivitis and is especially effective in that form caused by Morax-Axenfeld bacillus. It is employed as an injection in the treatment of the chronic stages of gonorrhea.

Dosage: As an emetic, 2 gm. or 30 grains.

In collyria it may be used in the strength of from 0.1 to 1.0 per cent, or from 1 to 5 grains per ounce. As an injection in gonorrhea solutions varying in strength, from 0.5 to 4 per cent, may be used.