Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Inorganic Chemicals > Alkalies > Hydroxides Terms and Definitions

Hydroxides

	Aluminum Hydroxide - A compound with many biomedical applications: as a gastric antacid, an antiperspirant, in dentifrices, as an emulsifier, as an adjuvant in bacterins and vaccines, in water purification, etc.
	Lye - Generally speaking, it is the alkaline substance obtained from wood ashes by percolation. Preparations of lye can either be solutions of potassium or sodium hydroxide. The term lye, is also used to refer to the household product which is a mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate.
	Sodium Hydroxide - A highly caustic substance that is used to neutralize acids and make sodium salts. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)

Hydroxides Medical Definitions and Terms