Eng., Magnesium Sulphate. Synonyms, Epsom Salt, Salts.

Form

Small, colorless prisms or needles.

Odor And Taste

Odorless; saline and bitter taste.

Solubility

In 1 part of water. Insoluble in alcohol.

Incompatibles

Alkaloids, arsenates, carbonates, phosphates, tartrates, phosphoric acid, lime water, lead acetate, silver nitrate, etc.

Average Dose

4 drachms (15 Gm.).

Magnesium Sulphate is contained in the Compound Infusion of Senna.

Therapeutic Action

The oxides, the carbonate, and the magma are antacid and laxative. The sulphate is a hydragogue purgative.

Uses

The oxides and the carbonates are principally used in hyperchlorhydria, gastric ulcer, etc. The sulphate is one of the most extensively used purgatives.

Administration

Magnesium Sulphate, Magnesium Oxide, and the solution of Magnesium Citrate are the preparations most frequently prescribed. The latter preparation is dispensed in bottles of 12 fluidounces, and should always be prescribed in that quantity. After it has been opened and the excess of carbon dioxide escaped, it acquires a flat taste; so should always be ordered fresh.

Magnesium Sulphate is the cheapest and probably the most largely used purgative. It is usually kept by the laity, and it is often advisable, particularly with the poorer class of patients, to merely include in the written instructions for patient, an order that a certain amount of Epsom Salts be taken. This preparation is commonly called"Salts,"and when the word is written without the final "s"being legible, or the word"Epsom"being employed, it has been mistaken for"Salt,"and Sodium Chloride used. A desirable method of administering it is in a glass of lemonade.

As a purgative:

Magnesii Sulphas 915

or

Magnesii Sulph............

Magnesii Sulphas 916

30

Syrupi................

Magnesii Sulphas 917

15

Limonis Succi.............

q. s.Magnesii Sulphas 918

60

M.

Sig

Tablespoonful in glass of water every four hours until effect.

In the treatment of diarrhea:

Magnesii Sulphas 919

or

Magnesii Sulphatis.........

3iv

15

0

Tinct. Opii Deod.................

Magnesii Sulphas 920 xl

2

5

Acidi Sulph. Arom................

f3iss

6

0

Aquae Menth. Pip.....................

.q. s.Magnesii Sulphas 921

120

0

M:

Sig

Tablespoonful every four hours until relieved.

As an aperient in the treatment of comedo:

Magnesii Sulphas 922 ,

or

Magnesii Sulphatis........

Magnesii Sulphas 923

45

Ferri Sulphatis.............

gr. xvj

1

Acidi Sulph. Dil. ................

3ij

8

Aquae..................

q. s.Magnesii Sulphas 924

240

Sig

Tablespoonful in water before breakfast. As a purgative:

Magnesii Sulphas 925

or

Liq. Magnesii Citratis............

Magnesii Sulphas 926

360

Sig

Take before breakfast.

As an antacid, as in the treatment of hyperacidity, gastric ulcer, etc.:

Magnesii Sulphas 927

or

Atropinae Sulphatis...............

gr. 1/10

006

Bismuthi Subnit.,

Magnesii Oxidi ................

āā. 3iv

15

000

Sodii Bicarb.....................

3ij

8

000

M. ft. cht. no. xv.

Sig

One in milk two hours after meals.

In the treatment of erythema venenatum:

Magnesii Sulphas 928

or

Acidi Borici..................

gr. xv

1

0

Talci Purificati............

gr. xx

1

3

Cretae Praeparatae.............

3ij

8

0

Magnesii Carbonatis.............

3iij

12

0

M.

Sig

Use as a dusting powder.

1 Ohmann-Dumesnll: Diseases of the Skin 2 ibid