Saccharin. Benzoyl-Sulnhnnic. ImiA

Characteristics. A coal tar derivative, discovered by Dr. Fahlberg, of New York. It is "a sweet imide derivable from the toluene of coal tar," 1890 Add. to B. P.; and not a carbo-hydrate, like sugar. A white powder, apparently amorphous, but crystalline to the microscope, and intensely sweet, probably about 200 times as sweet as cane sugar. It is antiseptic, as salicylic acid and thymol (from its connection with the phenol compounds), non-fermenting and harmless. Slightly soluble in cold, more readily in warm water; soluble in alcohol, ether, and alkaline solutions: it forms soluble compounds with alkalies.

Therapeutics. It well disguises the taste of nauseous medicines; and half a grain sweetens a large cup of coffee.

Saccharin gives a sweet taste without the use of sugar, and therefore it is recommended as a sweetening material for diabetic patients.

"Saccharin passes unaltered through the organism, passing off unchanged exclusively through the urine, the composition of which it does not otherwise affect." - Dr. Stutzer, of Bonn [Pharm. Cent. 4-3-86].

It can be administered in compressed tablets, containing 1/2 grain to 1 grain each, with a little soda or potash to make them soluble in water; or in a liquid, as suggested in the following form.

Formula. Elixir Saccharini, according to W. Martindale's formula.

Saccharin ...... ...... 24 grains.

Bicarbonate of sodium ...... 12 grains.

Rectified spirit ......... 1 fluid drachm.

Distilled water ... ...... 7 fluid drachms.

Rub the saccharin and bicarbonate of sodium in a mortar, with the water gradually added; add the spirit and filter: 20 minims contain 1 grain of saccharin.

"The latter solution, when warmed and made neutral and evaporated to dryness, yields soluble gluside, very soluble in water." - 1890. Add. to B. P.