Formula

ZnSo4+ 7H2O.

Derivation

Sulphate of zinc is obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on granulated zinc, the solution being purified by means of chlorine and carbonate of zinc, and afterward evaporated, the product being crystals of sulphate of zinc. It is in the form of colorless crystals, which effloresce on exposure to air, and are soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol, resembling in appearance Epsom salts. It has a disagreeable, metallic, styptic taste.

Medical Properties And Action

Sulphate of zinc is tonic, astringent, antispasmodic, and, in large doses, emetic. Externally, it is stimulant and astringent. When its use is long continued, it produces symptoms like those of lead. When administered in proper doses, it exerts an antispasmodic influence on the nervous system, and where there is spasm and convulsion, it is very serviceable.

Therapeutic Uses

It is internally administered in epilepsy, chorea, hysteria, angina pectoris, chronic dysentery, flatulence, night sweats of phthisis, etc., and is a prompt emetic in cases of narcotic poisoning. Internally, it is employed in the treatment of gonorrhoea of the eye, chronic skin diseases, epithelioma, ulcers, gangrene, etc.

Dose

Of sulphate of zinc, gr. 1/4 to gr. vi. For an emetic in cases of poisoning six grains will prove sufficient, well diluted with water, and repeated every fifteen minutes until emesis occurs.

Dental Uses

Sulphate of zinc is employed internally in dental practice, in gangrene of the mouth, disease of the antrum, ulcerations of mucous membrane, and indolent ulcers, acting as a stimulant and astringent.

Dr. Northrop recommends for alveolar pyorrhoea a saturated solution of sulphate of zinc, a saturated solution of iodide of potassium, equal parts, which combination in turn is saturated with the crystals of iodine.

Dental Formulae

For Gangrene of the Month (Cancrum Oris).

Zinci sulphas .... gr.xx

Mellis......

Signa

To be applied with a camel's-hair brush.

For Ulceration of Mucous Membrane of the Mouth.

Zinci sulphas .... gr.j to v Aquae destillatae . . Signa. - To be used as a gargle or lotion.

For Chronic Alveolar Abscesses, Abscess of Antrum, etc.

Dr. G. L. Parmele.

Zinci sulphas................gr.iij

Plumbi acetas...............gr.v

Tinc, catechu...............gtt.x

Aquae..................

Signa

Use as a stimulating injection.