Monograph: |
Saccharin Sodium
Colourless or white crystals or a while crystalline powder.
odourless or faintly aromatic with an intensely sweet taste.
When in powdered form it usually contains about one-third
the theoretical amount of water of hydration as a result of ef-
florescence. Soluble I in 1.5 of water and I in 50 of alcohol:
practically insoluble in ether. Store in airtight containers.
Adverse Effects
There have been rare reports of hypersensitivity and photo-
sensitivity reactions with saccharin.
Saccharin-associated bladder tumours in rats given high
doses have been the cause of much concern and investigation.
However, it is now generally accepted that these are not appli-
cable to saccharin use as a sweetener by man.
Effects on the liver. Elevated liver enzyme values in an eld-
erly woman followed administration of two different medica-
tions sweetened with saccharin sodium. Findings resolved
on discontinuation of all preparations containing saccharin.
and were subsequently found to recur on rechallenge with a
small amount of saccharin sodium.
Pharmacokinetics
Saccharin is readily absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract.
It is almost all excreted unchanged in the urine within 24 lo
48 hours.
Uses and Administration
Saccharin and its salts are intense sweeteners, a dilute solu-
tion having about 300 times the sweetening power of sucrose.
They are used in pharmaceuticals and in foods and beverages
and are heat stable. They have no food value. The salts are
more often used than saccharin itself as they are considered to
be more palatable.
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