This section is from the book "Practical Materia Medica And Prescription Writing", by Oscar W. Bethea. Also available from Amazon: Practical Materia Medica and Prescription Writing.
Eng., Compound Syrup of Hypophosphites. Calcium Hypophosphite, 35 Gm.; Potassium Hypo-phosphite, 17.50 Gm.; Sodium Hypophosphite, 17.50 Gm.; Ferric Hypo-phosphite, 2.25 Gm.; Manganese Hypophosphite, 2.25 Gm.; Quinine, 1.10 Gm.; Strychnine, 0.115 Gm.; Sodium Citrate, 3.75 Gm.; Diluted Hypophos-phorous Acid, 15 mils; Sugar, 775 Gm.; Water, to make 1000 mils.
2 fluidrachms (8 mils).
Official Glycerophosphates and Preparation.
Eng., Cal-cium Glycerophosphate.
A white powder.
Odorless and almost tasteless.
Soluble in 50 parts of water, somewhat hygroscopic. Insoluble in alcohol.
4 grains (0.25 Gm.).
Eng., Sodium Glycerophosphate.
A white powder, plates or scales.
Odorless, a saline taste.
Very soluble in water-nearly insoluble in alcohol.
4 grains (0.25 Gm.).
Eng., Solution of Sodium Glycerophosphate. An aqueous solution containing about 50 per cent. of the salt. Average Dose.-6 minims (0.35 mil).
The value of these preparations is seriously questioned, but they have been. and still are, extensively used for general debility, neurasthenia, hysteria, phthisis, convalescence from exhausting fevers, etc. It is possible that the good results claimed are due to the fact that the compound syrup or solution is usually employed and these contain iron, strychnine and quinine in addition to the metallic hypophosphites or glycerophosphates.
The Hypophosphites are most frequently prescribed in the form of the Compound Syrup of Hypophosphites, which is either ordered alone or with other agents as additional Strychnine or the Tincture of Nux Vomica. The Emulsion of Cod-liver Oil with Hypophosphites is also a favorite form for administration. Many claim that there is no advantage from a combination as found in the syrups, and prefer to prescribe one or two alone. Calcium Hypophosphite seems to be the salt of choice under these circumstances.
These glycerophosphates are prescribed alone or combined with other agents. By far the most common use is as the unofficial compound solution or compound syrup. These contain the glycerophosphates of calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, quinine, and strychnine.
The hypophosphites may be ordered as:
or | |||
Syr. Hypophos............................................................... | 240 |
Two (2) teaspoonfuls in water after meals.
Or:
or | |||
Syr. Hypophos. Co............................................... | 240 |
Teaspoonful in water after meals.
Or:
or | |||
Tinct. Nucis Vomicae.................................... | 30 | ||
Syr. Hypophos. Co........................................... | q. s. | 240 |
M.
Teaspoonful in water before meals.
The following unofficial preparation is often used, particularly in phthisis, chronic bronchitis, etc.:
or | |||
Emul. 01. Morrh. cum Hypophos......................... | Oj | 480 |
Tablespoonful after meals. (Shake-label.)
 
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