iS6 INORGANIC AGENTS 



Uses External. — In aqueous solution (1-50) sodium 

 bicarbonate relieves itching in urticaria, prurigo and chronic 

 eczema. It also allays the pain of slight burns and of acute 

 rheumatism. For this purpose cloths should be soaked in 

 saturated solutions and placed upon the affected parts. 

 Added to water ( 3 i.-Oi.) in which instruments are to be 

 boiled, it prevents rusting. 



Uses Internal, — Sodium is one of the most useful reme- 

 dies in gastric or intestinal indigestion associated with 

 acidity, flatulence, and distress. It does not always remove 

 the cause of indigestion, however, and, therefore, should be 

 combined with agents which do : e.^., cathartics, antiseptics, 

 carminatives and stomachics. For this reason sodium 

 bicarbonate is often prescribed to dogs with bismuth sub- 

 carbonate, salol or beta naphtol ; to horses, with gentian or 

 nux vomica and ginger. 



Sodium bicarbonate is of value in alkalizing the blood 

 in acute rheumatism, when it is thought to increase oxida- 

 tion and tissue waste. The salt assists the action of calomel, 

 with which it should be generally conjoined, since it stimu- 

 lates the flow of bile and aids the alkaline intestinal juices 

 in transforming the inactive chloride into the active oxide. 

 Sodium bicarbonate is occasionally given in acute bronchitis, 

 but it is distinctly inferior to the corresponding potassium 

 salt in thinning and increasing bronchial secretions. 



This salt is highly recommended in the treatment of 

 hsemoglobinsemia (azoturia) in horses, when given in quanti- 

 ties of 10-30 ounces daily. Theoretically, sodium bicarbo- 

 nate is of benefit in this disease, by neutralizing acid 

 products of metabolism which lead to solution of the haemo- 

 globin. 



Administration. — Sodium bicarbonate may be given in 

 solution or on the tongue or food in the pure state. 



SoDH Sulphas. Sodium Sulphate. Nag SO^ lOHjO. 



(U. S. & B. P.) 

 Synonym. — Glauber's salts, sulfas sodicus (natricus). 



