Latin, Acidum Sulphuricum (Gen., Acidi Sulphurici)

Eng., Sulphuric Acid. Synonym, Oil of Vitriol. Formula, H2S04.

Form

A heavy, colorless liquid containing not less than 93 nor more than 95 per cent. of absolute Sulphuric Acid.

Odor And Taste

Odorless, strongly acid taste.

Solubility

Miscible in all proportions with water and alcohol-with evolution of much heat.

Incompatibles

Alkaline carbonates and hydroxides; salts of barium, calcium, lead and silver; vegetable astringents, etc.

Official Preparations.

Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum (Gen., Acidi Sulphurici Aromatici)

Eng., Aromatic Sulphuric Acid. Synonym, Elixir of Vitriol. Sulphuric Acid, 109 mils; Tincture of Ginger, 50 mils; Oil of Cinnamon, 1 mil; Alcohol, to 1000 mils. Contains about 20 per cent. by weight of absolute sulphuric acid.

Average Dose

15 minims (1 mil).

Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum (Gen., Acidi Sulphurici Diluti)

Eng., Diluted Sulphuric Acid. Contains about 10 per cent. of absolute sulphuric acid and 90 per cent. of water.

Average Dose

30 minims (2 mils).

Therapeutic Action

Escharotic, astringent.

Uses

The principal employment is in diarrhea preparations, and in quinine solutions for the treatment of malaria or for general tonic purposes.

Administration

Sulphuric Acid is usually employed in the form of the diluted or the aromatic acid. They should always be well diluted when taken.

Some methods of prescribing are shown in the following:

As a part of the, treatment of comedo:

M.

Sig

Tablespoonful in water before breakfast.

In the treatment of diarrhea:

M.

Sig

Tablespoonful every four hours till relieved.

To effect the solution of quinine, as in a preparation for malaria:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.