Monograph: |
ALUM
Colourless, transparent, odourless, crystalline masses or a
granular powder Soluble 1 in 7 of water and I in 0.3 of boil-
ing water, soluble in glycerol: practically insoluble in alco-
hol. A 10% solution in water has a pH of 3.0 to 3.5.
Adverse Effects
Large doses of alum are irritant and may be corrosive, gum
necrosis and gastro-intestinal haemorrhage have occurred.
Adverse effects on muscle and kidneys have been reported.
Uses & Administration
Alum precipitates proteins and is a powerful astringent. It is
often included in preparations used as mouthwashes or gar-
gles and in dermatological preparations.
Alum, either as a solid or as a solution, may be wed as a hae-
mostatic.
Alum is also used as a mordant in the dyeing industry
Haemorrhage associated with malignant disease can be diffi-
cult to control and some success in bladder haemorrhage or
rectal haemorrhage has been described with the use of an
alum 1% solution.
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