AMMONIUM ACETATE 171 



Smelling salts are prepared by adding to the carbonate 

 half its weight of solution of ammonia, and mixing some 

 bergamot, lavender, or other aromatic oil. 



LIQUOR AMMONII ACETATIS. Solution of Ammonium Ace- 

 tate. Mindererus Spirit. 



Is prepared by dissolving one ounce of ammonium car- 

 bonate in ten times its weight of distilled water, neutralising 

 with acetic acid, and adding sufficient distilled water to pro- 

 duce one pint of the solution (B.P.). It is clear, colourless, 

 and nearly odourless, but has a mawkish, unpleasant taste. 

 Incompatibles, potash, soda, and their carbonates, acids, 

 lead and silver salts, and lime water. 



ACTIONS AND USES. Ammonium acetate, although not so 

 powerful a stimulant as liquor ammonise or the carbonate, is 

 a valuable diaphoretic and antipyretic, and a mild diuretic 

 and expectorant. It is much used in febrile and inflamma- 

 tory attacks, especially affecting the respiratory organs 

 catarrh, bronchitis, and pneumonia, and in influenza, 

 strangles, and purpura. In these and other cases it abates 

 fever, promotes cutaneous and bronchial secretion, and 

 helps to clean the tongue and improve the appetite. In 

 the onset of local inflammation in horses, when pyrexia is 

 considerable, two to four ounces of liquor ammonii acetatis 

 are given, with a drachm of potassium nitrate or chlorate 

 three to four times daily. When the bowels are confined 

 and the urine high-coloured, two to three ounces of Epsom 

 salt are added to the febrifuge mixture. When bronchial 

 secretion is scanty the acetate is conjoined with ipecacuanha, 

 or potassium iodide, and its beneficial effects may be in- 

 creased by inhalations of moist warm air and by hot applica- 

 tions to the chest. When the smaller bronchial tubes are 

 choked with mucus, balsams, turpentine, and squill are 

 useful additions, along with moderate external stimulation. 

 When there is sore throat and cough, belladonna extract 

 and camphor are serviceable adjuncts. In convalescence, 

 when the appetite is indifferent, powdered gentian or 

 cinchona bark may be combined or alternated with acetate 

 and salines. When the patient is weak and exhausted, 

 alcohol and ether are fitting additions. 



