HEAVY MAGNESIA 165 



Magnesii Oxidum Pondeeosum. Heavy Magnesium Oxide, 

 or Heavy Magnesia. MgO. (U. S. P.) 



Derivation. — Made from light magnesia by trituration 

 ■with alcohol, drying and pulverizing. 



Properties. — A white, dense, very fine powder. Only 

 differs in tests from light magnesia in that it does not readily 

 unite "with water to form a gelatinous hydrate. 



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

 (.3-4.). 



action of magnesium caebonates and oxides. 



Internal. — Alimentary Canal. — These salts are antacid 

 and neutralize abnormal acidity, due to fermentation, 

 when exhibited after a meal. The carbonate also exerts 

 a sedative action in liberating carbon dioxide in the 

 stomach, and both the carbonate and oxide unite with- the 

 gastric juice to form chlorides, lactates and bicarbonates. 

 These compounds are mild, saline purgatives. 



Blood and Urinc^-The oxide and carbonate of magne- 

 sium 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 diarrhoea. 

 It may be given to advantage in powder : magnesia and 

 ihubarb, 2 drachms each ; with ginger, one drachm. This 

 dose should be administered in milk ( )r flour gruel. Magnesia 

 may give rise to intestinal concretions if its use is persisted 

 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 a-lkalizing the gastric contents and rendering 

 these bodies insoluble. Arsenic antidote is kept on hand 

 at drug stores and is made by adding solution of ferric 



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