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., Sodium Phosphate. Synonym, Sodium Orthophosphate. Formula, Na2HPO4 + I2H2O. Form.-Large colorless prisms of granular salt. Odor and Taste.-Odorless. A cooling, saline but disagreeable taste. Solubility.-In about 2.7 parts of water. Insoluble in alcohol. Average Dose.-1 drachm (4 Gm.).
Eng., Effervescent Sodium Phosphate. A granular powder containing 20 per cent. of Exsiccated Sodium Phosphate with Citric and Tartaric Acids and Sodium Bicarbonate.
120 grains (8 Gm.).
Eng., Exsiccated Sodium Phosphate. Sodium Phosphate deprived of its water of crystallization. Average Dose.-30 grains (1 Gm.).
Unofficial Preparation (U. S. P., viii).
Eng., Compound Solution of Sodium Phosphate. Sodium Phosphate, 1000 Gm.; Sodium Nitrate, Citric Acid, and Distilled Water, to make 1000 mils.
2 fluidrachms (8 mils).
Hydragogue purgative.
The effervescing salt, particularly, is a popular morning laxative. It is also used in conditions characterized by jaundice.
Effervescing Sodium Phosphate, if dispensed in boxes, rapidly deteriorates and loses its effervescing quality. As it is a granular salt, it could not readily be emptied from a regular small-mouth prescription bottle.
It is put on the market in 2-, 4-, and 16- ounce, large-mouth, colored bottles with special waxed corks and caps. It should be prescribed in these sizes only, so that the original bottle may be dispensed by merely removing the trade label and putting on the one desired.
or | |||
Sodii Phos. Efferves........................................ | 120 |
Sig.-Heaping teaspoonful, in glass of water, on arising. |
The solution may be ordered as:
or | |||
Liq. Sodii Phos. Co......... | 120 |
Two (2) teaspoonfuls, with glass of water, on arising.
Sodium Phosphate is often prescribed in bulk to be taken in water.
See Salicylates, p. 36.
 
Continue to: