Magnesium sulfate powder is the active ingredient in a mineral supplement called bitter salt produced by Laboratorios 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 presents risks and complications, although it is normally well tolerated.
- Magnesium sulfate powder is indicated as a laxative.
- Being also useful against heartburn.
- Poor digestion.
- Magnesium deficiency.
- Muscle pain.
- Arthritis.
- Phlebitis and fibromyalgia.
- Although this indication is not included in the notice.
- Magnesium sulfate can also be use to clean skin and against ingrown toenail.
The use of bitter salt varies by age
Magnesium sulfate should be taken according to medical instructions and should not exceed the recommended daily dose, nor should it be used for more than 2 weeks.
The side effects of magnesium sulfate are minimal, with diarrhea being the most common.
Magnesium sulfate or bitter salt is contraindicated in patients with kidney failure, children under 2 years of age or with intestinal parasites, pregnant women and in cases of chronic intestinal obstruction, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhagic colitis and other inflammations of the intestine.