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., Strontium Salicylate. Formula, Sr(C7H5O3)2 + 2 H2O. Form.-A white powder.
Odorless and having a sweetish saline taste. Solubility.-In 19 parts of water or 61 parts of alcohol. Average Dose.-15 grains (1 Gm.).
Antipyretic, antirheumatic and antiseptic.
Extensively used in the treatment of rheumatism, gout, tonsillitis, and kindred conditions, as endocarditis and"chorea, and for neuralgia. Recommended for iritis and various other eye conditions. Sometimes used for goiter.
It will be noted that these salts are practically white, odorless powders with a sweetish taste and, with the exception of Strontium, they are freely soluble in water. They are usually prescribed in solution, but sometimes in capsules, either alone or with other agents. The sweetish taste is rather nauseating to some patients. Not more than 5 or 6 grains of a salicylate can be ordered to a capsule, which practically eliminates this form of administration. Sodium Salicylate is by for the most commonly used of these salts.
When an alkaline salicylate is introduced into the stomach containing free hydrochloric acid, salicylic acid is precipitated; so it certainly seems desirable to prevent this by the use of such agents as sodium bicarbonate or magnesia magma (milk of magnesia). The latter is particularly useful where intestinal elimination is desirable. The sodium bicarbonate may be included in the prescription or the patient may be instructed to add one or the other at the time of taking the dose.
In some conditions the best results seem to be obtained by using large doses, as 100 grains per day, and concentrating this into a short period, much as quinine is used in malaria. Such dosage may cause discomfort if given in the early part of the day, and may incapacitate a patient who might otherwise continue active. Probably the best plan is to give, say, 20 grains at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. and at 10 p.m., if too much dizziness, nausea, etc., has not been induced; the patient then can sleep through what might be the uncomfortable period.
When a salicylate is ordered, the salt made with the synthetic salicylic acid is supplied, unless definitely specified to the contrary. The salt made from the"true"acid is many times as expensive, and, it is claimed, on the best authority, that the action in every particular is the same as the synthetic product. Many experienced clinicians still claim that the"true"salt is better tolerated, and continue to employ it.
For administering the drug alone the following method is a desirable one:
or | |||
Sodii Salicylatis.............................................. | 3v | 20 | |
Aquae Menthae Pip.......................................... | q. s. | 60 |
M.
Teaspoonful in water at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 p.m.
Patient may be instructed to take milk of magnesia with each dose.
Used in the treatment of rheumatism:
or | |||
Sodii Salicylatis.................................................... | 15 | ||
Sodii Bicarbonatis............................................. | . 3ij | 8 | |
Aquae Menthae Pip............................................... | q. s. | 120 |
M.
Two (2) teaspoonfuls well diluted as directed.
or | |||
Acidi Salicylici................................................... | gr. clx | 10 | |
Sodii Bicarbonatis........................................ | .gr. cxx | 8 | |
Aquae Menthae Pip........................................... | .q. s. | 120 |
M.
Tablespoonful in water as directed.
1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.
This gives a slightly alkaline solution containing about 20 grains of sodium salicylate to the tablespoonful. It should not be dispensed till after standing about one hour. More sodium bicarbonate can be used if desired.
The"natural"or"true"salt from the oil of wintergreen may be prescribed as follows:
or | |||
Sodii Salicylatis (O.W.)........... | 3v | 20 | |
Aquae Menthae Pip................ | q.s | 60 |
M.
Teaspoonful in water as directed.
Sodium bicarbonate or milk of magnesia may be ordered added to each dose.
Or:
or | |||
Acidi Salicylici (O.W )................................ | gr.clx | 10 | |
Sodii Bicarbonatis ......................................... | gr. cxx | 8 | |
Tinct. Colchici Sem.................................... | f3ij | 8 | |
Aquae Menthae Pip............................................ | q. s. | 120 |
M.
Tablespoonful in water at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 p.m.
In the treatment of rheumatism, tonsillitis, endocarditis, etc.:
or | |||
Sodii Salicylatis, | |||
Sodii Bicarbonatis......................................... | .āā. gr. clx | 10 | |
Spir. Chloroformi ......................................... | f3ij | 8 | |
Aquae Menth. Pip............................................ | q. s. | 120 |
M.
Tablespoonful in water every three hours until effect.
The patient is instructed to discontinue for that day when ringing in the ears, dizziness, etc., develop.
In the treatment of rheumatism, gout, etc.:
or | |||
Sodii Salicylatis................................................ | 3iv | 15 | |
Sodii Bicarbonatis......................................... | 3ij | 8 | |
Vin. Colchici Sem...................................... | f3iv | 15 | |
Aquae Chloroformi......................................... | q. s. | 60 |
M.
Teaspoonful in water as directed.
 
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