This agent acts in a manner similar to the corresponding copper-salt, but is less powerful. It has the advantage of being less likely to induce gastro-enteritis than sulphate of copper, and is, therefore, usually preferred to the latter. It is administered in cases of narcotic poisoning, in croup, and to relieve the stomach of indigestible alimentary substances.

Administration

In narcotic poisoning a scruple of the sulphate of zinc may be administered in water, and, if need be, repeated once. In croup, or for other purposes, as an emetic, it may be given as follows: Dissolve a half-drachm in two ounces of water, and administer a table-spoonful every fifteen minutes until emesis is produced. The free use of diluents promotes the emetic action.