Formula

MgS047H20.

Derivation

Epsom Salt is obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on magnesite, the siliceous hydrate of magnesium. It is in the form of small, colorless crystals, which effloresce on exposure to the air, and are very soluble in water. It is odorless, but has a very bitter taste.

Medical Properties And Action

Sulphate of magnesia is a refrigerant purgative, safe and mild in its action, and is perhaps more commonly employed as a cathartic than any other. It is at times combined with other agents.

Therapeutic Uses

Sulphate of magnesia is administered as a saline purgative in acute inflammatory and febrile affections, to depress the arterial tension, and also to relieve the kidneys when they are hyperaemic; hence it is a valuable remedy in renal and cardiac dropsy, constipation of lead colic, acute dysentery, dyspepsia with constipation, etc., etc.

Dose

Of sulphate of magnesia, Dose 1193 to in water or carbonic acid water.

Dental Uses

Sulphate of magnesia is employed internally in dental practice, to reduce the arterial tension in acute inflammations of the dental organs, such as acute pulpitis, acute periodontitis, etc.

To disguise the bitter taste of Epsom salts, the following formula may be employed: -

Maganesii sulphatis.............

Essentiae menthae..............gtt.iij. M.

Dental Uses 1195Dental Uses 1196

Dental Formula

For Dysturia of Difficult Dentition.

Sulph. magnes...............

Aquae purse...............

Spir. aether. nitrici............

Tinct. opii.................

Signa - A teaspoonful, to be repeated according to circumstances.

Dental Formula 1197Dental Formula 1198