HEAVY MAGNESIUM OXIDE 133 



P.; calcined magnesia, magnesia calcinata, E. ; magnesia usta, P. G. ; magn6sie 

 caldn^e, Fr.; gebrannte magnesia, G. 



Derivation. — Heat magnesium carbonate. 4 (MgCOa) Mg (OH)2 + 5 HjOrr 

 5 MgO-)-6 H2O+4CO2. Water and carbon dioxide are driven off and magnesia 

 (MgO) is left. 



Properties. — A white, very bulky, very fine powder, without odor, and having 

 an earthy, but not a saline taste. On exposure to the air it slowly absorbs mois- 

 ture and carbon dioxide ; almost insoluble in water ; insoluble in alcohol. 



Dose.— Foals and calves, 3i-ii, (4-8); D., gr.v-3i, (.8-4). 



Magnesii Oxidum Ponderosum. Heavy Magnesium Oxide, or Heavy Magnesia. 



MgO. (U. S. P.) 



Synonym. — Magnesia ponderosa, B. P.; magn&ie calcinee pesante, Fr. ; 

 schwere gebrannte magnesia, G. 



Derivation. — Made from light magnesia by trituration with alcohol, drying 

 and pulverizing. 



Properties. — A white, dense, very fine powder, which conforms to the same 

 reactions and tests as magnesli oxidum. 



Dose. — Foals and calves, 3i-ii, (4-8); D., gr.v-3i, (.3-4). 



Action of Magnesium Carbonates and Oxides. 



Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — These salts are antacid and counter- 

 act abnormal acidity when exhibited after a meal. The carbonate also 

 exerts a sedative action in liberating carbon dioxide in the stomachy and 

 both the carbonate and oxide unite with the gastric juice to form chlo- 

 rideSj lactates and bicarbonates. These compounds are mild, saline 

 purgatives. 



Blood and Urine. — The oxide and carbonate of magnesium alkalize 

 the blood and urine, and are slight diuretics. They resemble potassium 

 and sodium bicarbonates^ as antacids, but are milder because feebly 

 absorbed. 



Uses. — Phillip's milk of magnesia is a good laxative and antacid 

 preparation for puppies. One or more teaspoonfuls may be added to 

 milk, which will be taken voluntarily. Magnesia is a useful remedy for 

 foals and calves affected with intestinal indigestion, tympanites and acid 



diarrhea, as follows: 



« 



Magnesii oxidi ponderosi 



Pulveris rhei aa Siss. 



Pulveris zingiberis 3vi. 



M. et divide in chartulas No. vl. 

 S. Give one powder in milk or flour gruel 3 times 

 daily. 



Magnesia may give rise to intestinal concretions if its use is per- 

 sisted in for a considerable period. 



Magnesium carbonate and oxide are antidotes to mineral acids, oxalic 

 acid, salts of mercury, arsenic and copper, and alkaloids, by alkalizing 

 the gastric contents and rendering these bodies insoluble. Arsenic anti- 

 dote is kept on hand at drug stores and is made by adding solution of 

 ferric sulphate to an aqueous mixture of magnesia (see ferri oxidum 

 hydratum cum magnesia, p. 164). 



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