Glauber's Salt

GLAUBER'S SALT, sodium sulfate, Natrium sulfuricum (Pharmacopoeia VII), Sal mirabile Glauberi, Na₂SO₄+10H₂O, colorless, transparent, efflorescent crystals with an unpleasant bitter-salty taste, dissolving in 3 parts of cold water, in 0.3 parts of water at 33°, and in 0.4 parts of boiling water; it does not dissolve in alcohol. The laxative effect of Glauber's salt is most likely caused by the physical-chemical properties of the salt: being highly soluble in water and possessing low diffusion capacity, Glauber's salt, when taken internally, is absorbed very slowly by the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, as a result of which the water in which the salt was dissolved, as well as water introduced during the day, and that secreted by the glands of the gastrointestinal tract, is retained within it, and its contents do not thicken. By irritating the intestine throughout its entire length, Glauber's salt causes an increase in peristalsis, as a result of which watery stools, repeating several times, appear after 1-4 hours; severe pain and tenesmus usually do not occur. Glauber's salt is prescribed: 1) as a laxative at 15-30 g (1-2 tablespoons) per dose in 1-2 glasses of cold water; to improve the taste, a small amount of citric acid or lemon juice is added; 2) as an antidote for poisoning with barium salts, lead, carbolic acid, creosote, etc. The administration of Glauber's salt is contraindicated: in cases of gastrointestinal catarrh, peritonitis, and appendicitis, to avoid exacerbation of the inflammatory process; systematic administration to patients who are bedridden for long periods is avoided to prevent gastritis, etc.; long-term administration is generally avoided, as it can cause chronic gastroenteritis, and after cessation of intake, intestinal atony and constipation are often observed. - Dry sodium sulfate, Natrium sulfuricum siccum (dilapsum) (Pharmacopoeia VII), contains up to 88.6% anhydrous sodium sulfate. It is prescribed in doses half that of Glauber's salt. It is a component of artificial Carlsbad salt, Sal Carolinum factitium, Sal Carlsbadense factitium (Pharmacopoeia VII).