alum /al·um/ (al´um)
alum
1. a local astringent and styptic, prepared as an ammonium (ammonium a.) or potassium (potassium a.) compound; also used as an adjuvant in adsorbed vaccines and toxoids.
2. any member of a class of double sulfates formed on this type.
al·um ( l  m)n. Any of various double sulfates of a trivalent metal such as aluminum or iron and a univalent metal such as potassium or sodium that are used as topical astringents and styptics. |
alum
[al′əm]
Etymology: L, alumen
a topical astringent, used primarily in lotions and douches.
alum
any of several substances, including potassium alum, aluminum alum, ammonium alum, potash alum and aluminum potassium sulfate, with strong astringent properties. May be used as a styptic or hemostatic and as a topical antimycotic agent. It also may be given by mouth to induce vomiting. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
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