Epsom salt (magnesium sultafo)

Synonyms: Sedlitz salt. Epsom salt.

Physical-Chemical Data: Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate crystal: White crystalline powder or almost white or bright colorless crystals. Easily soluble in water, soluble in boiling water, practically insoluble in anhydrous ethanol.

Formula: MgSO4 7H2O
Molecular Weight: 246.37

Properties and uses:

The main components of Epsom salt are magnesium and sulphates. Magnesium is the second most abundant cation in the body and is an essential electrolyte that is involved as an enzyme cofactor.

It is absorbed slowly in the intestine. It binds to plasma proteins by 25 to 30%. It is excreted in urine and feces. It crosses placental barrier, and small amounts are excreted in human milk.

It is mostly found in nuts, whole grains, and green vegetables. Human requirements are approx. about 200-300 mg / day.

Magnesium sulfate is a magnesium salt used mainly in deficiency states of this ion and the hipomagnesemias. It also presents saline laxative effect.

Topically it has been used in the treatment of certain local inflammations, as in cases of pimples and the Anthrax, but their prolonged use may damage the surrounding areas. Saturated aqueous solutions are used in bathrooms for the therapy of osteoarthritis and erysipelas.

Magnesium and sulfates are readily absorbed by the body externally. A relaxing bath Salt Epson not only be enjoyable, but also healthy.

• Softens skin
• Relieves pain
• Reduces swelling and inflammation
• Exfoliate skin
• Remove toxins from the body
• It is a natural emollient

Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salts with cleansing cream, then you massage your face with this mixture for a few minutes to remove dead skin. The use of this mixture with some regularity can remove stains on the skin.

Epsom Salt, unlike other salts, leaves the skin feeling dry, however, leaves the skin soft and silky.

Dosage:
In cases of mild magnesium deficiency, the dose of about 50 mmol / day of magnesium. As saline laxative or purgative dose of 5 to 15 g / day.
Topically, saturated solutions for cold baths or wet compresses.

Side effects:
In general magnesium salts are very poorly absorbed orally, but in individuals with renal failure, can accumulate sufficient amounts to produce toxic effects. Excessive administration of magnesium can lead to the appearance of hypermagnesemia, that causes nausea, vomiting, hot flushes, thirst, hypotension due to peripheral vasodilatation, drowsiness, confusion, loss of tendon reflexes due to neuromuscular blockade, muscle fatigue, respiratory depression , cardiac arrhythmias, coma and cardiac arrest. Acute ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea.

Precautions should be used with caution in patients with renal failure, receiving treatment with digitalis glycosides, and pregnancy.

Interactions: Magnesium salts administered orally decrease the absorption of tetracyclines and bisphosphonates.

Incompatibility: Polymyxin B sulfate, tartrates, phosphates, arsenates, carbonates, and bicarbonates. Magnesium salts have been described as incompatible with many drugs.

Observations: They are hygroscopic.

Storage: in closed containers. PROTECT FROM LIGHT.