Powdered magnesium sulfate is the active ingredient of a mineral supplement known as bitter salt produced by the laboratories Uniphar, Farmax and Laboratório Catarinense, for example.
This product can be purchased without a prescription, but should only be used with medical knowledge, as it has its risks and complications, although it is normally well tolerated.
What is it for
Powdered magnesium sulfate is indicated as a laxative, being also useful against heartburn, poor digestion, magnesium deficiency, muscle pain, arthritis, phlebitis and fibromyalgia. Despite not having this indication in the package insert, magnesium sulfate can also be used to clean the skin and against the ingrown nail.
How to use
The use of bitter salt varies according to age:
- Adults: For intense and immediate laxative effect, 15 g of bitter salt should be used in 1 glass of water; Children older than 6 years: Use 5 g dissolved in a glass of water, or as instructed by the doctor.
Magnesium sulfate should be taken according to medical instructions and should not exceed the recommended dose per day and should also not 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, children under 2 years old or with intestinal worms, pregnant women and in case of chronic intestinal obstruction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammation of the intestine.
