These free B.Pharm notes on emetics and copper sulphate cover chapter 17 of Pharmaceutical Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry (BP106T), a first-semester subject. Read the key points below, then study the complete chapter PDF. You can browse every chapter in the Pharmaceutical Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry category.
Table of Contents
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Overview of emetics and copper sulphate
These notes on emetics explain vomiting, its control by the vomiting centre in the medulla and the effects of prolonged vomiting. They then describe gastric and central emetics, then the description, iodometric assay, factor and uses of copper sulphate, and the description, preparation, assay and uses of sodium potassium tartrate, with a comparison table of both.
Key points on emetics and copper sulphate
- An emetic is a drug that induces vomiting, and emetics are valuable in treating poisoning by emptying the stomach contents through the mouth.
- Gastric emetics such as ammonium bicarbonate irritate the gastric mucosa, while central emetics such as apomorphine act on the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the medulla.
- Copper sulphate, CuSO4.5H2O, loses four molecules of water at 100 degrees C and becomes white anhydrous copper sulphate at 230 degrees C.
- Copper sulphate is assayed iodometrically: it liberates iodine from potassium iodide, which is titrated with 0.1 N sodium thiosulphate using starch, with potassium thiocyanate added near the end.
- Sodium potassium tartrate is ignited to carbonates, which are dissolved in excess 0.5 N H2SO4, and the excess acid is back titrated with 0.5 N NaOH.
Relevance to pharmacy practice
Emetics are used in the emergency treatment of poisoning, and low doses also appear in cough preparations as reflex expectorants. Knowing the iodometric and back titration assays of copper sulphate and sodium potassium tartrate builds core skills used in pharmaceutical quality control.
Every chapter in this subject builds on the one before it, so do not skip topics that look simple. Definitions, principles, procedures and examples are the parts that examiners return to most often, and a clear understanding here will also make later subjects easier to follow in the coming semesters.
Frequently asked questions on emetics and copper sulphate
What are the two types of emetics?
Gastric emetics, such as ammonium bicarbonate and ipecacuanha, irritate the gastric mucosa. Central emetics, such as apomorphine, ipecacuanha and squill, act on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the floor of the IV ventricle of the medulla.
What is the dose of copper sulphate as an emetic?
Copper sulphate is used as an emetic in a dose of 300 mg. As an astringent it is given in a dose of 5 to 10 mg three times a day.
What happens during prolonged vomiting?
Prolonged vomiting causes dehydration, metabolic alkalosis due to loss of acid, and loss of potassium and chloride ions. Vomiting also increases salivation, sweating and heart rate.
Quick revision checklist
Use this self-test after reading the chapter on emetics and copper sulphate. If you can do all of the following without looking at your notes, you are ready for the exam.
- I can explain: how the vomiting centre controls vomiting
- I can explain: the difference between gastric and central emetics
- I can explain: the effect of heat on copper sulphate
- I can explain: the iodometric assay of copper sulphate
- I can explain: the back titration assay of Rochelle salt
Study and exam tips
Start by reading the chapter once for the overall idea, then revise emetics and copper sulphate using headings, definitions, principles, reactions and examples. Short-answer questions in the university exam usually ask for definitions, principles, procedures, reactions and uses, so write these in your own words and practise the equations, tables and flow charts that the chapter has.
For wider reading, standard books and open resources such as the NCBI Bookshelf help you confirm terms and see more examples. Revise emetics and copper sulphate again a day later and again a week later, because spaced revision improves long-term memory.
This page is part of the Pharmaceutical Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry series for first-semester B.Pharm students on B.Pharm Guru, where every chapter has a short summary and a full PDF. Bookmark this page and share it with classmates who are preparing for the same exam.
Related notes: 2. ERRORS IN ANALYSIS: SOURCES, TYPES AND MINIMIZATION, 3. ACCURACY, PRECISION AND SIGNIFICANT FIGURES.
Next: 18. HAEMATINICS. Back to the Pharmaceutical Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry category.
