Uses for Sodium Thiosulphate
The chemical compound sodium thiosulphate is colorless and odorless and has a high solubility. Though stable in a variety of conditions, sodium thiosulphate does not freeze well. With few negative health effects, sodium thiosulphate is a common chemical used in a variety of settings, including health care.
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Identification
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Produced from a combination of liquid waste products of sodium sulfide and sulfur dye manufacture, sodium thiosulphate can be produced with an aqueous solution of sodium sulfite with sulfur. Because it reacts with iodine, sodium thiosulphate can easily measure the oxygen content of water.
Non-Medical Uses
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A common de-chlorinator, sodium thiosulphate is a common cleaner for fish tanks, swimming pools and fish hatcheries. Sodium thiosulphate is also a photograph fixer that prevents the chemicals in photographs from getting too dark and acts as a preservative in photographs, preventing oxidation.
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Medical Uses
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Sodium thiosulphate is taken along with the cancer treatment cisplatin to help reduce its effects. Administered intravenously, this medication is also taken as an antidote for cyanide poisoning, as it reacts to the cyanide to form sodium thiocyanate.
According to the Earth Clinic, sodium thiosulphate can also be taken to help remove heavy chemicals and an accumulation of oxidative chemicals in the liver. A good reducer of free radicals, sodium thiosulphate may also help with sleeplessness.
Dosage Information
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Dosing requirements vary depending on usage. The Mayo Clinic says that to counteract the effects of the cancer medication cisplatin, take 4g per square meter of body surface intravenously before taking cisplatin. Take the second dose at the same time cisplatin is administered. Twelve g per square meter of body surface should be administered over a period of six hours.
Warning
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According to Western Chemical, sodium thiosulphate has a low toxicity level; however ingesting large quantities could lead to diarrhea. In addition, the Mayo Clinic warns that an overdose could lead to agitation, blurred vision, hallucinations, mental changes, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, pain in the joints and ringing in the ears.
Tell your doctor if you have edema, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease or toxemia of pregnancy, as these health concerns may affect sodium thiosulphate's effectiveness.
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