Epitome of the Pharmacopeia of the United States and the National Formulary / With Comments

by Albion Walter Hewlett; William August Puckner; Torald Hermann Sollmann; Martin I. Wilbert

Light, white, friable masses or bulky white powder, odorless and with a slight earthy taste. Practically insoluble in water; insoluble in alcohol.

Action and Uses: Used internally against gastric hyperacidity and as a mild laxative; externally as dusting powder. See also Magma Magnesiae, under Magnesii Hydroxidum.

Dosage: 3 Gm. or 45 grains (U.S.P.).

Mistura Magnesiae, Asafoetidae et Opii (Mist. Mag. Asafoet. et Opii), Mixture of Magnesia, Asafetida and Opium, N.F. (Mistura Magnesiae et Asafoetidae, N.F. III, Dewees’ Carminative).—Magnesium carbonate (5%), tincture of asafetida (7.5%), tincture of opium (1%), and sugar in water. Absolute alcohol content about 7 per cent.

Uses: Complex and irrational mixture intended for use in diarrhea.

Dosage: 8 Cc. or 2 fluidrachms (N.F.).

Magnesii Chloridum (Magnes. Chlorid.), Magnesium Chloride, N.F.—MgCl₂ + 6H₂O.

Colorless transparent crystals or white translucent pieces; deliquescent in moist air. Very soluble in water (1:0.6) and soluble in alcohol.

Action and Uses: Similar to but without advantage over magnesium sulphate.

Dosage: 15 Gm. or 4 drachms (N.F.).