Rochelle powder
Noun: A medicinal preparation consisting of a dry, effervescent mixture of sodium bicarbonate, Rochelle salt (potassium sodium tartrate), and tartaric acid. It is designed to be dissolved in water, where it reacts to produce carbon dioxide gas, and is used as a mild laxative (cathartic).
This term is used specifically in historical and pharmaceutical contexts to refer to a compound laxative powder. It is a proper noun referring to a specific, named formulation. - The doctor prescribed Rochelle powder to relieve the patient's constipation. - In the 19th century, Rochelle powder was a common household remedy.
- The name "Rochelle" originates from Rochelle salt, a key ingredient named after the city of La Rochelle in France, where it was first prepared.
- The effervescent reaction upon adding water makes it a seidlitz powder, a general term for such medicinal effervescent salts. Rochelle powder is a specific type of Seidlitz powder.
- Rochelle salt (noun): The common name for potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate, a component of the powder.
- Seidlitz powder (noun): A general term for an effervescent laxative powder, often synonymous with Rochelle powder.
- Effervescent salt (noun): A descriptive term for any medicinal salt that releases gas when dissolved.
- Seidlitz powder
- Compound effervescent powder
- Effervescent cathartic
This term has a single, highly specific meaning in pharmacy. It does not have different general meanings. Its usage is now largely historical, as modern medicine has replaced it with other laxatives.
- an effervescing salt containing sodium bicarbonate and Rochelle salt and tartaric acid; used as a cathartic