White, odorless, almost tasteless powder. Soluble in water (1:50) and insoluble in alcohol.
Action and Uses: Formerly believed to be a tonic, and used especially in neurasthenia, to improve the nutrition of the nervous system. There is no reliable evidence that it has any value.
Dosage: 0.25 Gm. or 4 grains (U.S.P.), in solution.
Elixir Calcii et Sodii Glycerophosphatum (Elix. Calc. et Sod. Glycerophos.), Elixir of Calcium and Sodium Glycerophosphates, N.F. (Elixir Glycerophosphatum N.F. III).—Solution of sodium glycerophosphate (2.5%), calcium glycerophosphate (0.875%), phosphoric acid (0.8%), in glycerin, aromatic elixir and distilled water. Absolute alcohol content about 7 per cent.
Uses: An irrational and inefficient “tonic” mixture.
Dosage: 4 Cc. or 1 fluidrachm (N.F.).
Calcii Hypophosphis (Calc. Hypophos.), Calcium Hypophosphite, U.S.P.—Ca(PH2O2)2.
Colorless crystals or white powder, odorless and having a nauseous, bitter taste. Freely soluble in water (1:6.5) and insoluble in alcohol.
Action and Uses: The hypophosphites were introduced as of special value in tuberculosis; later they were used as general reconstructive tonics, but there is no experimental or reliable clinical evidence that the hypophosphite radical has any value as such. Calcium hypophosphite must be regarded merely as a means of administering calcium.