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

Action and Uses: Useful antacid and laxative.

Dosage: 2 Gm. or 30 grains (U.S.P.).

Magnesii Oxidum Ponderosum (Mag. Oxid. Pond.), Heavy Magnesium Oxide, U.S.P. (Heavy Magnesia).—MgO (96%).

White, dense powder.

Action and Uses: Used like magnesium oxide.

Dosage: 2 Gm. or 30 grains (U.S.P.).

*Magnesii Sulphas (Mag. Sulph.), Magnesium Sulphate, U.S.P. (Epsom Salt).—MgSO₄ + 7H₂O.

Small, colorless, odorless crystals, with a cooling, saline, bitter taste. Freely soluble in water (1:1); almost insoluble in alcohol.

Action and Uses: One of the most active of the saline cathartics.

Dosage: 15 Gm. or 4 drachms (U.S.P.), in solution. A solution containing 1 Gm. of salt in each Cc. may be given, 5 Cc. every hour until a laxative effect is secured. This should usually be diluted with water.