bitter salts
Definition
Noun: * Hydrated magnesium sulfate used as a medicinal agent: A white, crystalline substance, chemically known as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄·7H₂O), used for its therapeutic effects. It is administered orally to relieve digestive issues like heartburn and constipation, and can be injected to prevent or control certain types of medical seizures.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor recommended a dose of bitter salts to relieve the patient's constipation.
- For severe pre-eclampsia, bitter salts may be administered intravenously to prevent seizures.
- Bitter salts have a characteristically unpleasant, bitter taste.
Advanced Usage
- "Epsom salts": This is the most common synonym and alternative name for , named after the town of Epsom in England where the compound was originally distilled from water.
- You can find Epsom salts, also known as bitter salts, in the pharmacy aisle.
Variants and Related Words
- Epsom salt (n): A direct synonym for .
- Magnesium sulfate (n): The chemical name for the compound.
- Laxative (n): A general term for a substance used to relieve constipation, which describes one function of .
- Anticonvulsant (n): A type of medication used to prevent seizures, which describes another medical use of .
Synonyms
- Epsom salts
- Magnesium sulfate (specifically the heptahydrate form)
Notes on Meaning
- The term refers specifically to the hydrated form of magnesium sulfate used in medicine and personal care. It is distinct from other salts (like table salt, or sodium chloride) and is named for its notably bitter flavor. Its primary modern uses are medicinal (as a laxative or anticonvulsant) and, in diluted form, for soothing baths.
Noun
-
hydrated magnesium sulfate that is taken orally to treat heartburn and constipation and injected to prevent seizures
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