SODIUM SULPHATE 113 



Later diuresis may take place, especially when absorption of the 

 saline occurs through failure of purgation. 



The basic ion, or kation, of some salts is less absorbable than that 

 of others (as Mg), and when such a basic ion is combined with an acid 

 ion of slow absorption (as in MgSO^) the purgative eilect is naturally at 

 its maximum. 



Any cholagogue action, formerly attributed to the saline purgatives, 

 has been proved to be wanting. The saline cathartics are sometimes 

 called hydragogues. 



Uses Internal. — Sodium sulphate is not used much in human practice 

 on account of its nauseating taste and it is said to produce more griping. 

 For the larger animals it is sometimes preferred to the magnesium salt in 

 veterinary medicine, as in catarrhal jaundice of horses. Sodium sulphate 

 is the principal ingredient of Carlsbad salt, which has recently come 

 into vogue with veterinarians, although long valued in human medicine. 

 The formula for the artificial Carlsbad salt (Sal carolinum factitium), 

 which is the preparation commonly used, is as follows: 



IJ Sodii sulphatis exsiccati 4i0.0 



Sodii bicarbonatis 35.0 



Sodii chloridi 15.0 



Potassii sulphatis 2.0 



M. et fiat pulvis. 



Sig. One to two heaping tablespoonfuls on the food two or three 

 times daily for horses. 



Sodium sulphate is thus given as Carlsbad salt or alone in small 

 doses as a laxative, but in constipation associated with indigestion and 

 malnutrition,' gentian, powdered rhubarb, iron and other stomachics and 

 tonics are often combined; while, in fever, sinall doses of Glauber's salt 

 is useful in promoting the activity of the skin and kidneys, and for this 

 purpose may be given as follows to improve appetite and digestion: 



For horses in fevers. 



5 Spiritus Ktheris nitrosi. 



Tincturae gentlanae compositse aa ovii 



Acidi sulphuric! diluti 3vii 



M. 



Sig. 4 tablespoonfuls in a pint of water twice daily to which same 

 amount of Glauber's salt is added. 



Glauber's salt is useful in aiding the action of peristaltic agents, 

 as aloes. Small doses are given to horses in their drinking water while 

 the aloes is acting. 



Sodium sulphate is of benefit in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery 

 and overloaded and impacted colon of horses when given in frequent and 

 repeated doses in connection with linseed oil. 



An enema, consisting of one pound of Glauber's salt in a quart of 

 water, to which two ounces of oil of turpentine and four ounces of 

 glycerin may with advantage be added, should be injected high into the 

 bowel to secure rapid purgation in horses suffering with colic. 

 t, Glauber's and Epsom salts are the most common purgatives given 

 to ruminants. It is therefore impossible to enumerate special indications 



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