| epsom salt | <medicine> Sulphate of magnesia having cathartic qualities; originally prepared by boiling down the mineral waters at Epsom, England, whence the name; afterwards prepared from sea water; but now from certain minerals, as from siliceous hydrate of magnesia. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| Epsom salts | <chemical> Sulfuric acid magnesium salt (1:1). A small colourless crystal used as an anticonvulsant, a cathartic, and an electrolyte replenisher in the treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia. It causes direct inhibition of action potential in the myometrial muscle cells. Excitation and contraction are uncoupled, which decreases the frequency and force of contractions. Pharmacological action: anticonvulsants, cathartic, tocolytic agents. Chemical name: Sulfuric acid magnesium salt (1:1) (12 Dec 1998) |
| epsomite | Native sulphate of magnesia or Epsom salt. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |