(Sodium Sulphocarbolate. U. S. P., 1900.)

Description and Properties. - Colorless, transparent, rhombic prisms, odorless, having a cooling, saline, slightly bitter taste. Somewhat efflorescent in dry air. Soluble in 4.8 parts of water, 132 parts of alcohol, 0.7 part of boiling water, and in 10 parts of boiling alcohol. The aqueous solution is neutral to litmus-paper. It should contain not less than 90 per cent. of pure sodium. Paraphenolsulphonate, C6H4(OH)SO4Na).

Dose. - 10-30 grains (0.60-2 Gm.) [4 grains (0.250 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Allied Compounds

Potassii Sulphocarbolas - Potassii Sulphocarbolatis - Potassium Sulphocarbolate.

Calcii Sulphocarbolas - Calcii Sulphocarbolatis - Calcium Sulphocarbolate.

Magnesii Sulphocarbolas - Magnesii Sulphocarbolatis - Magnesium Sulphocarbolate.

Zinci Sulphocarbolas - Zincii Sulphocarbolatis - Zinc Sulphocarbolate.

All of the above have been employed, but the zinc sulphocarbolate is believed to be preferable to check diarrhea, and render the stools less foul. It is best given in pills, in doses of 2-3 grains (0.1-0.15 Gm.).

Physiological Action. - In medicinal doses sodium phenolsulphonate occasions no special symptoms, and in three or four times the medicinal dose it causes only slight lightness of the head.

It is changed in the system into carbolic acid and sodium sulphate, the latter being eliminated with the urine. The carbolic acid set free exerts its characteristic action and influence.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - In the strength of 1/2 dram (2.0 Gm.) to 8 ounces (237.0 Cc.) of water it forms a valuable gargle in relaxed conditions of the throat.

Solutions of different strengths have been used in diphtheria, acute tonsillitis, aphtha of children, and nasal catarrh.

Thirty grains (2.0 Gm.) in 2 ounces (60.0 Cc.) each, of water, and hydrogen peroxide make an efficient injection in gonorrhea.

Internally. - It is a mild intestinal antiseptic, and may be used internally for the same purposes as carbolic acid in such disorders as diarrhea, fermentative dyspepsia, etc. It arrests the growth of thrush, and is considered by some physicians to exert a favorable action in anginose scarlatina, diphtheria, and typhoid fever. The zinc sulphocarbolate is one of the best intestinal antiseptics to use in cases of dyspeptic diarrhea of children.

Administration. - Sodium phenolsulphonate is best given in solution.