Magnesium sulfate powder is the active ingredient in a mineral supplement known as bitter salt produced by Uniphar, Farmax and Laboratorio Catarinense laboratories, for example.
This can be bought without a prescription, but it should only be used with medical knowledge possesses its risks and complications, although it is usually well tolerated.
What is it for
Magnesium sulfate powder is indicated as a laxative, and is also useful against heartburn, poor digestion, magnesium deficiency, muscle pain, arthritis, phlebitis and fibromyalgia. Although not indicated in the package insert, magnesium sulfate can also be used to clean the skin and against ingrown toenails.
How to use
The use of bitter salt varies according to age:
- Adults : For intense and immediate laxatives, 15g of bitter salt should be used in 1 glass of water.
- Children over 6 years of age : Use 5 g dissolved in a glass of water, or as directed by your doctor.
Magnesium sulfate should be taken according to medical advice and should not exceed the recommended dose per day, nor should it be used for more than 2 weeks.
Possible side effects
The side effects of magnesium sulfate are minimal, with diarrhea being the most common.
When not to be used
Magnesium sulfate or bitter salt is contraindicated for patients with renal dysfunction, in children under 2 years of age or with intestinal worms, pregnancy in case of chronic intestinal obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammations of the intestine.
