Sodium sulfate

Sodium sulphate, also known as Glauber's salt, is an active ingredient that is used in medicine as a laxative and is therefore used to treat constipation. In alternative medicine, it is also used for detoxification during spring cures. A distinction is made between anhydrous sodium sulphate and non-anhydrous sodium sulphate decahydrate. Glauber's salt actually refers to the non-anhydrous sodium sulphate decahydrate. Sodium sulphate is a white crystalline/hygroscopic powder that is very easily soluble in water. It releases heat in the process. Glauber's salt tastes salty and bitter.

Sodium sulphate works by osmosis to ensure that more water remains in the intestine and thus makes the stool more watery in the event of constipation. Due to the increased volume, the defecation stimulus is activated. It takes effect after approx. 30-90 minutes.

The half-life of sodium sulphate, i.e. the time it takes the body to excrete half of the active ingredient, is around 8.5 hours.

Always take sodium sulphate exactly as described in the package leaflet or as advised by your doctor.

The usual recommended dose for adults is 10-30g sodium sulphate dissolved in water. However, the effect depends on the concentration chosen.

The following side effects may occur:

Diarrhea is a normal effect of taking sodium sulfate and is not a side effect. An allergic reaction may also occur.

Very common:

• Abdominal pain
• Flatulence
• tiredness
• Feeling sick
• Irritation of the anus
• nausea
• Fever

Frequent:

• Hunger
• Sleep disturbances
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting
• indigestion
• thirst
• Muscle tremors

Occasionally:

• Feeling unwell
• Difficulty swallowing
• Abnormal liver function tests

Frequency unknown:

• Flatulence
• transient increase in blood pressure
• irregular heart rhythm
• dehydration
• nausea
• low sodium level in the blood

When taking sodium sulphate and other medications, you should ensure that there is an interval of at least one hour between taking sodium sulphate and other medications.

There is an increased sensitivity to cardiac glycosides.

Sodium sulphate must NOT be taken in the following cases:

• if you are allergic to sodium sulphate
• in the case of an intestinal blockage
• in case of a perforation of the intestinal wall
• in the case of a gastric emptying disorder
• in case of intestinal paralysis
• in phenylketonuria
• in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Acute dilatation of the colon (toxic megacolon)

Sodium sulphate is suitable for adults aged 18 and over.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding , sodium sulphate should only be used ifyour doctor considers itabsolutely necessary.

Sodium sulphate was first produced by the Viennese chemist and pharmacist Johann Rudolph Glauber in 1655. He discovered it after he fell ill in Vienna in 1624 and drank from a spring, which helped him to recover. He made it from sodium chloride (common salt) and sulphuric acid and called it sal mirabilis.