This document provides information about gastrointestinal agents (GI agents), which are drugs used to treat GI disorders. It discusses the classifications of GI agents including acidifying agents, antacids, protectives, adsorbents, and cathartics. It then describes common antacids including aluminum hydroxide gel, calcium carbonate, and magnesium salts. The ideal characteristics of antacids are outlined. Common calcium-containing and magnesium-containing antacids are also discussed in more detail.

1. GASTROINTESTINALAGENT
By –
Afroj shaikh.
M.Pharm
Institute of chemical technology

2. • (GIT) consist of series of organs for the digestion of food;
ingestion of food to the expulsion of waste as faeces.
• It starts from esophagus, oral or buccal cavity,
stomach, the small intestines (consisting of duodenum,
jejunum and ileum)
• The large intestines (consisting of caecum, ascending,
transverse and descending colons)
• lastly rectum with exit anus.
Each organ has definite functional role.

3. • Gastro Intestinal (GI)Agents :- Drugs used in the
treatment of GI disorders are known as GI Agents
Classifications
1. Acidifying Agents – Drugs which increase the gastric acidity
are known as Acidifying Agents
Eg:- Dil HCl
2.Antacids – Drugs which neutralizes the excess of HCL
secreted in the stomach.
Eg:- Sodium Bicarbonate, Alumnium hydroxide gel,
Calcium carbonate etc.
3. Protective & Adsorbents :- used in treatment of dirrhoae
Eg:- Bismuth sub carbonate, Kaolin
4. Saline Cathartics:- are used to relieve constipation Sodium
Potassium Tartrate, Magnesium Sulphate etc.

4. List Of GI disorders
In event of impaired functions, the gastrointestinal (GI)
disturbances follows eg:
• Absence or insufficient secretion of hydrochloric acid in
stomach -leading to achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria.
• Excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid in stomach leading to
hyperacidity, which causes ulcers inflammation Acute pain.
• Accumulation of toxins, gases, toxic substances etc; or
insufficient absorption of fluids or electrolytes in the intestine
stimulates intestine motility leading to diarrhea.
• Insufficient intestine motility leads to peristalsis leading to
constipation.

5. Various inorganic GIT agents employed are:-
1. Acidifiers or Acidifying Agents for acidity
2. Antacids for hyperacidity
3. Protectives for intestinal inflammation
4. Adsorbents for intestinal toxins
5. Cathartics for constipation.

6. Gastric acidifiers:
Drugs uses to increase the acidity are known as Gastric
acidifiers or acidifying agents.
• Some drugs are used to increase the Gastric HCl or some
drugs to increase the metabolic acidosis.
Eg :-HCl
• Normal HCL is secreted which helps in digestion of food &
due to secretion of HCl the PH of stomach is acidic
• Stomach PH varies from 1 when stomach is empty & when
food is ingested
• The gastric mucosa is made up with epithelial cells which
secrets HCL & enzymes which are required for digestion.
• The HCL softens the fibrous food promotes formation of
proteolytic enzyme pepsin from pepsinogen
• Kills the bacteria by food or drink.

7. • Proteolytic activity of pepsin is based at PH 3-5.
• Due to some reason there is no secretion of HCl & it is
called as Achlorhydria.
• Symptoms varies from patients to patients.
1)frequent bowel movement (mild diarrhea)
2) Epigastric pain.(upper middle portion of abdomen)
3) sensitivity to spicy food.
two types of patients of Achlorhydria.
Treatment :- counter effect the effect by using HCl.

8. Explain the term achlorhydria ?
absence or insufficient secretion of hydrochloric acid in
stomach -leading to achlorhydria
Achlorhydria patients are of two kind
1 those who do not respond to histamine phosphate
stimulation & remain free of gastric HCl .
.
2.Those who respond to histamine phosphate stimulation for
the release of HCl in the stomach.
.

9. Monograph
HCl
• DIL HCl used to treat achlorhydria
Properties of HCl :-
1] It occurs as a colorless fuming liquid with pungent odour.
2] It is miscible with water, alcohol & has a specific gravity of
1.18.
Storage of HCl:-It is stored in glass-stoppered containers at a
temperature not exceeding 30°C.
Uses of HCl:-
• Hydrochloric acid as such cannot be used as medicine.
• The dilute hydrochloric acid is used as acidifying agent.
• It is also used as a solvent in numerous industries.
• Also used as laboratory reagent.

10. 2) ANTACID
• These are the agents that decrease gastric acidity by
neutralizing HCL.
• Many used in the condition called hyperchlorhydria they give
relief of pain due Hyperchlorhydria.(HCH)
• Effectiveness of antacids is measured in neutralizing capacity.
• In normal HCl is secreted by epithelial cell of gastric mucosa
depending upon intake of food,
• The PH of stomach varies from 1-6.
• Due to inflammation of gastric mucosa as in gastritis ,there
results hypersecretionof HCL called as H.C.H .
• Prolong excessive secretion of HCl leads to peptic ulcer.
• Erosion of mucosal layer & various portion results in
Esophageal ulcer, gastric ulcer, & duodenal ulcer.

11. Treatment:- Anticholergenic drugs, use of certain type of
food, antacids
1)As antacids are alkaline in bases they neutralize the acidity
occurred in H.C.H.
2) Production is continuous therefore use of antacid is required but
antacid should act gradually without producing rebound acidity.
3) As antacids are used for longer periods they may produce side
effects,
4) To produce good effects with lesser side effects should have
following properties.

12. Ideal Characteristic of Antacid
1. It should not be absorbable and cause systemic alkalosis
2. It should not be laxative or cause constipation
3. It should exert effect rapidly & over a long period of time
4. It should buffer in pH 4-6.
5. It should not produce large volume of gas
6. It should be palatable & inexpensive
7. It should probably inhibit pepsin

13. Antacids are of two types.
l) Systemic(absorbable) antacids: which are soluble readily
absorbable and capable of producing systemic electrolytic
alterations & alkalosis.
E.g. sodium bicarbonate.
2) Non-systemic (non.absorbable) antacids:- which a not
absorbed to a significant extent and thus do not exert an
appreciable systemic effect.

14. This group is further sub-divided into following.
a) Aluminum containing antacids:- e.g. aluminum hydroxide
aluminum phosphate, dihydroxyaluminium,
aminoacetate dihydroxyaluminium sodium carbonate,
basic aluminium carbonate (gel).
b) Calcium containing antacids :- Eg. Calcium Carbonate
tribasic calcium phosphate
c) Magnesium containing antacids:-Eg. magnesium carbonate
magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide
magnesium phosphate, magnesium trisilicate

15. d) Combination antacid preparations:- e g Aluminum Hydroxide
gel & Magnesium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide
gel, Magnesium trisilicate, Magaldrate Simethicone (deforming
agent) containing Antacids, Calcium carbonate containing
antacid mixtures

17. 1. Antacids :- SB, ALHG, ALP, CC, MG, MT, MO, COAP.
A)SODIUM BICARBONATE.
Chemical formula :-NaHCO3
Mol wt :-84.01
Common name :-Baking Soda, Mitha Soda
Synonym :-Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.
Preparation:-
A) Industrial Scale:-
prepared by Solvay process.
• Brine Sol (NaCl) is saturated with ammonia to remove impurities .
• Sol is filtered & passed through carbonating tower & allow to cool to
enhance ppt.
• NaHCO3 is less soluble in water below 15°C the ppt is filtered &
dried

18. H2O + CO2 H2C03
Water Carbonic acid
NH3 + H2C03 NH4C03
Carbonic acid ammonium Carbonate
NaCl + NH4C03 NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
ammonium Carbonate Sodium biCarbonate

19. B) LAB SCALE :-prepared by passing through CO2 gas
through sol of NaOH .
Sol is conc to obtain the product.
2NAOH + CO2 Na2C03 + H2O
2Na2C03 + H20 + CO2 2NaHCO 3

20. Properties:-
Colour:-White
Nature:-Amorphus
Taste:-Saline
Solubility:-Soluble in water insoluble in alcohol.
Incompatibility:- It inhibits the absorption of tetracycline
from the gastrointestinal tract
Storage: it should be stored in well-closed containers.
USES:-
1) Sodium bicarbonate was used as an antacid to reduce excessive
acidity of gastric juice. sharp Increase in gastric pH 7
Neutralizes HCL but results in the production of CO2 causing
belching and flatulence, is not desirable.

21. 2) treatment of systemic acidosis.
3) It is used as electrolyte replenisher.
4) 5% solution of sodium bicarbonate is used as ear drops to
an remove ear wax.
5) 3.5% solution warm water is used as eye lotion.
6) Ingredients in Compound Sodium Bicarbonate .
7) It is also an ingredient in many effervescent antacid
preparation.
NOTE:-Cardio vascular patients or those on sodium restricted diet .
advised to avoid this antacid.
Usual dose :-300 mg to 2 g four times a day.

22. 2) ALUMINIUM Hydroxide Gel:-Al(OH)3
Synonym:- Aluminium Hydroxide/Hydrate Powder
Colour:-White
Nature:-Amorphus
Taste:- Tasteless
Solubility:-Soluble in mineral acids insoluble in water alcohol
Chemical:-
When Heated To Redness (Ignited) it decomposes to water &
Aluminium Oxide.
Al(OH)3 Al2O3 +H2O
It reacts readily with acids, such as HCl, forming water & aluminium
salts.
Al(OH)3 + 3HCl AlCl3 + 3H2O

23. Uses:-
1.As an Antacid( Above Reaction)
Imp Note:-Acts as antacid not by neutralization
but by physical adsorption of acid. When gel passes into the intestine
the acid is released.
2. In treatment of Phosphate Urinary Calculi Al(OH)3 finally
forms Aluminium phosphate in intestine, thereby reducing
phosphate absorption.
3. Externally As mild astringent & desiccant.
4.Infrequently as protective in treatment of diarrhea & cholera.
5.Externally as dusting powder for desiccating foul wounds.
6. In Silicosis therapy, Given by inhalation.

24. Storage:- In Airtight container at temp not exceeding 25.°C but not
to be freezed.
Aqueous Suspension of Hydrated Aluminium containing
(1) aluminium carbonate
(2) and contains not less than 3.5% w/v and not more than 4,4% w/v of
aluminium oxide (AI203).
(3) sodium benzoate as preservative (antimicrobial agent),
(4) oil of Mentha as a flavoring agent
(5) and glycerin or sucrose as sweetening agent.
Properties: White Viscous Suspension . Clear Liquids gets Separated
when it is Kept Standing For some time.

25. Advantages
1)Non absorbale.no evolution of CO2
2) This allows the gastric PH at just about the desires level.
Disadvantage
1) Loss of Antacid property on aging- Particularly with Dried
Aluminium Hydroxide.
2) It also have adsorbent properties:-Caution should be exercised in
co-administration with other drug simultaneously.
Preparation:-
• A hot sol of potash alum is added slowly with constant stirring
to a hot sol of sodium carbonate after complete removal of C02,
• The precipitated aluminium hydroxide is filtered, washed
thoroughly with hot water until it becomes free from sulphate
ions.
• The precipitate may be suspended in the purified water to
required strength of aluminium hydroxide gel.

26. Assay:-performed by gravimetric method as per IP.
Procedure:-
1)Weigh about 5gm + add 10ml of HCL + 100ml water .
2)methyl orange is used as an indicator & sufficient
amount of dil NH3 sol is added to it.
3) End point:- distinct yellow color.
4) Heat to boil & filter wash with 2.5% w/w solution of
ammonium nitrate until the ppt is free from Cl dry the ppt
at 120°C & weigh it.

27. Aluminium Phosphate
Synonym:- Dried Aluminium Phosphate
Chemical formula :-AIPO 4
Physical properties
Colour :-White
Nature:- powder containing suitable freiable aggregate.
Solubility:- Practically insoluble in water ethanol&
Soluble in dil mineral acids.
It also contain preservatives, flavoring & sweetening agent.
Uses:- As an Antacid: on absorbable, useful where loss of
phosphate may create problem to patient.
( Endogenous phosphates spared)

28. CALCIUM-CONTAINING ANTACIDS
The calcium antacids are usually constipating & therefore
supplied in combination with magnesium antacids.
calcium carbonate & Tribasic calcium phosphate
CALCIUM CARBONATE
 Chemical formula:- CaC03
 Mol wt:- 100.09
 Synonym:-Precipitated Chalk, Precipitated Calcium
Carbonate .
 Preparation:-
It is prepared by precipitation by mixing the boiling the
solutions of Calcium chloride & sodium carbonate
allowing the resulting precipitation subside on cooling
. CaCl2 + Na2C03 2NaCl + CaC03.

29. Chemical Properties
Water Solubility increase in presence of CO2& ammonium salts
due to formation of bicarbonate & free calcium ion respectively.
CaCO3+ H2CO3 Ca(HCO3)2
CaCO3 + 2NH4 Ca +2NH3 + H2O + CO2
Calcium Carbonate Neutralizes acid by effervescence.
Physical Properties
Colour:-White microcrystalline powder.
Odour :- odourless,
Nature:-Amorphus
Taste:-tasteless
Solubility:-insoluble in water alcohol .

30. USES:-
 As an Antacid. It neutralizes gastric acid& forms CaCl2
 Which gets converted in calcium salt which is insoluble & tends to be
constipating
 It is used as an dentifrice because of its mild abrasive action.
Disadvantage:-
1. The Ca2+ ions can be either absorbed systemically or precipitated as
calcium phosphate salt in the intestine or as insoluble calcium soaps
(formed from the glycerides resulting from the hydrolysis of digested
food containing oils and fats).
2. Burnett syndrome (commonly known as milk-alkali syndrome),
characterised by an acute alkalosis, hypercalcaemia,
hyperphosphatemia, renal failure and azotemia.
3. Though insoluble can cause systemic alkalosis.

31. • This syndrome is often is misunderstood as hyperparathyroidism.
• On account of calcium's constipating effect, calcium antacids are
preferred in combination with magnesium antacid which have
cathartic action.
• However, they should not be used in patients with hypertension,
renal insufficiency, a history of urinary calculi, gastrointestinal
hemorrhage or dehydration an electrolyte imbalance due to
excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes consequent to diarrhea,
vomiting or aspiration of gastric contents
• Usual dose 1 g, 4 to 6 times a day.
• Usual dose range 1 to 10 g

32. MAGNESIUM CONTAINING ANTACIDS
• magnesium salts e.g. magnesium carbonate magnesium citrate,
magnesium oxide, magnesium phosphate and magnesium trisilicate
are common antacids.
 Magnesium antacids are practically insoluble in water, but dissolve
slowly in acidic media due to neutralization reaction Except
magnesium trisilicate, they all act in the same manner.
 Mg2+ ion is not readily absorbed from GIT because its
absorption is retarded by alkaline media, thus, magnesium salts
absorption takes place only in the acid medium of the duodenum.
Due to the slow absorption of Mg+ ions, a saline laxative action occurs
• Most of the magnesium is excreted in the faeces as Insoluble
magnesium salt.

33. • A small amount of Mg2+ ions are also absorbed which are excreted by
the kidneys.
• On account of this, magnesium salts are not to be used in patients with
renal insufficiency because magnesium retention leading to
magnesium poisoning may occur.
• Magnesium antacids are practically insoluble in water, but dissolve
slowly in acidic media due to neutralization reaction.

34. Magnesium carbonate
• It is a hydrated basic magnesium carbonate of varying composition.
• It exists in two forms viz.
• Heavy Magnesium Carbonate,
• and Light Magnesium Carbonate.
• Physical Properties
Colour:-Light, White, friable mass or as a bulky white
Odour :- Odourless,
Taste:-Tasteless
Solubility:-Insoluble in water alcohol but dissolves in dilute
acids with effervescence

35. Usual dose range:-500 mg to 2 g four times daily.
USES:-
• As an antacid
• Abrasive in tooth powder
• Magnesium carbonate also finds its use as saline cathartic when given
in adequate dosage (8 g).
• also used as an abrasive in some tooth powders, as a cosmetic and as
an ingredient in silver polishes.
Storage:- In air tight container.

36. MAGNESIUM OXIDE
Chemical formula :-MgO
Synonym:- Magnesia
Mol Wt:- 40.30
Properties :
• Magnesium oxide Occur in two different varieties commonly known
as "light" magnesium oxide and "heavy" magnesium oxide.
• On exposure to air, it absorb carbon dioxide and forms basic
carbonates, also absorbs moisture.
• Light magnesium oxide hydrates more easily than heavy Mg(OH)2
oxide and will dissolve readily in water & is clearly alkaline &
phenolpthalein.carbon dioxide or acid.
• MgO + 2H20 Mg(OH)2 + H20

37. Magnesium hydroxide so formed goes into the sol & reacts gastric HCl
Mg(OH)2 Mg2+ + 20H-
2H30+
4H20
Mg(OH)2 + 2HCI MgCl2 + H20
Storage:- It should be stored in airtight containers.
Uses:- low dose works as an antacid and higher dose laxative.
Usual dose an Antacid 250 mg 4 times daily; Laxative: 4 g.
Usual dose range 250 mg to 4g daily.
A mixture of magnesium oxide, tannic acid & charcoal is well know
as universal antidote.

38. MAGNESIUM TRISILICATE
Chemical Formula:-( 2Mg0.3Si0 2.xH2O) or (MgSiO3)2SiO2.xH2O
Mol wt : Anhydrous 260.86
Physical Properties:-
Colour:- White
Odour:- Odourless
Taste :- Tasteless
Solubility:-Insoluble in water alcohol but readily decomposed by
mineral acids with HCL forms Magnesium Chloride &
gelatinous trisilic acid
Storage:- It should be stored in airtight containers.

39. Magnesium trisilicate when treated with acid
E.g.. HCl 'decomposes to form and gelatinous trisilicic acid.
(MgSIO3)2SiO2.XH2O + 4HCl 2MgCl2+2H2Si03 +
SiO2 + XH2O
Colloidal mixture
(gelatinous)
1. In the stomach, a similar reaction takes place with HCl & gelatinous
mass is formed with gastric content which also works as protective &
adsorbent
2. The colloidal silicate protects the ulcer from further acid &
peptic attack and possibly adsorbs the pepsin.

40. Usual dose 1 g 4 times a day.
Usual dose range 1 to 16 g a day.
• Magnesium trisilicate powder is an emulsifying agent for
mineral, vegetable and animal oils when used in proper
proportions.

41. Importance of combination preparations of antacid-
No single antacid meets all requirements for ideal antacid hence Antacids
are used in combination.
Antacids are used in combination for following reasons-
1. To balance constipating effect of Aluminum and Calcium
containing antacids with laxative effect of Magnesium containing
antacids.
2. Some antacids gives rapid action but for short duration while
some antacids gives delayed action but for longer duration. So to
get quick and longer duration of action antacids are used in
combinations.
3. Few combination antacids contain Simethicone, Dimethicone as
they are Antiflatulents or antifoaming agents and reflux suppressants
like alginic acid.

42. Examples of Combined Antacids-
1. Combination of Aluminium hydroxide gel and Magnesium
hydroxide
2. Combination of Aluminium hydroxide gel and Magnesium
trisilicate
3. Combination of Aluminium hydroxide gel and Calcium
carbonate
4. Combination of Aluminium hydroxide gel, Calcium carbonate
and Magnesium hydroxide
5. Sodium bicarbonate and alginic acid
6. Simethicone containing antacids
7. Magaldrate- Mg(OH)2 & Al(OH)3
8. Aluminum hydroxide gel & kaolin combination etc.

43. Protective & adsorbents
• Def:- Inert sub Treat mild Diarrhea dysentery, GI disturbance
associated with indigestion. Adsorbs gases toxins, bacteria.
• Protective layers on painful ulcers.
• Dysentery:- Frequent elimination of watery fluid with or without
mucus/blood
• Causes:-Infection ( Amoeba)
• Diarrhea:- Frequent elimination of intestinal contents in form of
watery fluids .Electrolyte imbalance
• Causes. Improper digestion bacterial infection improper digestion of
food bacterial toxins chemical or poisonous drug.
• Action:-
• Bacteria, bacterial toxins stimulate flow of electrolyte into intestine
causing watery stools.

44. Protective & Adsorbents- Adsorb bacteria & Bacterial toxins .
They are adsorbents insoluble salts. therefore forms protective
coating on mucosal membrane & provide mechanical protection
.
Note:- Antibacterial drug should be taken along with P & A if
diarrhea is due to bacterial infection.
P & A do not have antibacterial activity.

45. Three different classes namely.
1)Bismuth salts or Bismuth Containing Product:-. Bismuth
Subnitrate, Bismuth Sub carbonate Milk of Bismuth, Bismuth
subgallate, Bismuth Subsalicylate, Bismuth Ammonium citrate.
2)Activated Clays and other Adsorbents e.g. Light Kaolin
3)Activated Charcoal.

46. • Bismuth Containing Products
• Oral Administration of bismuth-containing' results in black
stool due to the action of intestinal hydrogen sulphide to
bismuth sulphide.
• Bismuth compounds to their toxicity coupled with discovery
& availability of newer & more effective drugs the been
gradually withdrawn from the medicinal practice .

47. BISMUTH SUBCARBONATE
Chemical formula Approx. (BiO)2 CO3)2. H2O
Synonym :-Basic Bismuth Carbonate
Properties
Colour:- white or pale-yellow
Odour :- odourless
Taste:- tasteless powder
Storage:-light or well-closed light resistant containers.
Solubility:-It is practically insoluble in water and in alcohol but
dissolves completely in HCl and nitric acid with effervescence
and forms corresponding salts.

48. Uses:-
• as mild antacid,
• protective, mild astringent, dusting powder and antiseptic.
• it was earlier used internally in gastric disorders, ulcers,
diarrhea, dysentery, ulcerative colitis etc. as protective.
• It is still used as topical protective in lotion and ointments.
Note:-
On account of systemic toxicity & availability of safer drugs it
is deleted from pharmacopoeia.

49. ACTIVATED CLAYS AND OTHER
ADSORBENTS
• This group is mostly composed of clays which have excellent
adsorbent properties and most of them are used for that purpose
industrially as well. They appear to have a definite clinical use,
at least in mild diarrhea of short duration.
Light Kaolin
Chemical formula Approx:. Al203.2SiO2·2H2O
Properties
colour:-white yellowish-white powder
Nature:-unctous to touch
Odour:- Clay like odour
Taste:- clay like earthy
Solubility:-insoluble in water, Dil acids, or in alkali hydrooxide.

50. Chemically it is inert, since it is insoluble in all the common
solvents.
Uses:-
• Kaolin is used internally for its adsorptive properties as well
as its ability to coat irritated intestinal mucosa.
• Used in diarrhea, enteritis, colitis & dysentery caused by food
or alkaloidal poisoning
• It helps in by absorbing gases, toxins & bacteria .
• Usual dose:-15 to 17 g in three divided doses
• Infants:-1g one to three times daily
• Children:-(1-5years) 2g one to three times daily.
Externally as dusting powder, adsorbent in ulcers .

51. Cathartics
• Def:_Drug that brings about defecation & relieves a person
from individual from constipation.
Constipation:- Inability to defecate intestinal contents for a period
Causes:- Weakness of intestine, intestinal spasm, injury, use of
certain drugs, dietary habits, emotional factors, less water/ fluid
intake
Purgatives:- Also cathartics, act similarly but mild in action.
Laxatives:- Mild type of Purgative

52. Define Cathartics.(1Marks) Classify with examples.(3Marks)
Ans.Cathartics are the agents that quicken & increase evacuation
from bowels & also drugs used to relieve constipation.
Classification:
The cathartics can be considered under the following class,
1.Mild purgatives or laxatives : It helps to promote defaecation
causing minimum adverse effects.
Drugs included in this group are:
a)Bulk –producing drugs: Which promote evacuation by increasing
the stools bulk-volume & water contents e.g. Isapgol, agar-agar,
methycellulose, bran, psyllum seed, sodium carboxymethylcellulose
& karaya gum.
b) Stool softners (Emollient): Which penetrate ,lubricate & soften the
stool e.g. D-octyl sodium sulphosuccinate, liquid paraffin.

53. 2.Strong Purgatives: It cause complete evacuation of the bowel
& the bowel become inactive.
There are two kinds of strong purgatives:
a) Irritant or stimulant purgatives e.g. Phenolphthalein, senna
glycosides ,aloe, cascara sagrada, Rhubarb extract, Podophyllin,
castor oil, bisacodyl.
b) Saline cathartics/Purgatives (osmatic laxatives) these are further
sub classified as under:
i) Sodium-containing products e.g. Sodium biphosphate, sodium
phosphate, potassium sodiumTartrate
ii) Magnesium-containing product e.g. magnesium hydroxide,
magnesium citrate, Magnesium sulphate
iii) Sulphur as cathartic
iv) Non official cathartics e.g. sodium sulphate , potassium
phosphate, potassium bitartrate,calomel.

54. Properties & uses of magnesium sulphate:-
Chemical Formula:-MgSO4.7H2O
Synonyms:-Epsom Salt, Mag Sulph
• Properties :
• It occurs as colorless crystals, with cool, saline and bitter taste.
• It is freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol and
dissolves slowly in glycerin.
• Uses :
• Magnesium sulphate is given orally in dilute solutions as a
cathartic & parenterals as an anticonvulsant.
• Given as enema
• Used in cholecystitis
•Ingredient of Mineral water

55. SODIUM POTASSIUM TARTRATE
Synonym:- Potassium Sodium tartrate, Rochelle Salt,
Seignette's Salt.
Properties:- white colorless
nature:-crystalline powder,
odour :-odourless,
Taste:-cooling saline taste and
Solubility:-. It is freely soluble in water and practically insoluble in
alcohol.
and sodium carbonates.

56. Uses:-
1.It is a saline purgative; depending upon dose, its action ranges
from mild laxative to active hydragogue.
2. Ingredient of compound Effervescent powder.
3.The tartrate anion has very poor intestinal permeability and
causes a watery evacuation of bowel after 1 to 2 hours without
producing irritation.
4. Also used as food additive.