Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Seidlitz Powder

Pharmacology

Also known as: Seidlitz powders, Pulvis aerophorus laxans

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Seidlitz Powder is an effervescent laxative powder historically used in medical practice. The preparation consists of Rochelle salt, sodium bicarbonate, and tartaric acid, which produce a laxative effect through the action of the resulting salts and carbon dioxide.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

SEIDLITZ POWDER, Pulvis aerophorus laxans, an effervescent laxative powder (officinal in the USSR Pharmacopoeia III and VII, but excluded from Pharmacopoeia VIII). A single dose consists of: Rochelle salt 7.5, sodium bicarbonate 2.5, and tartaric acid 2.2 (the latter is prescribed separately from the first two). Upon administration, Rochelle salt and sodium bicarbonate are first dissolved in a glass of water, followed by the tartaric acid. The action is laxative due to the effect of free tartaric acid, its salt, and the evolved carbon dioxide; a double dose is taken for a rapid laxative effect.

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Cite this page

“Seidlitz Powder.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/seidlitz-powder/