POTASSIUM CITRATE 121 



PoTASSii CiTRAS. Potassium Citrate. Kfijifi. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 

 Synonym. — Citrate de potasse, Fr.; Citronsaures kali, G. 

 Derivation. — Neutralize potassium carbonate with a 

 solution of citric acid, and evaporate to dryness. 



3K,Co3 + 2 H3CeH,0, = 2K3CeH,0, -f 3H,0 + 3 Co,. 

 Properties. — Transparent, prismatic crystals, or a white, 

 granular powder ; odorless and having a cooling, saline 

 taste. Deliquescent on exposure to air. Soluble in 0.6 

 part of water ; sparingly soluble in alcohol. 

 Dose. — Same as bicarbonate. 



ACTION OF THE CARBONATES AND VEGETABLE SALTS. 



The carbonate is too irritating for internal use, while 

 the bicarbonate is more so than the similar sodium salt. 

 Therefore the latter is in more common use as an antacid. 

 Antacids neutralize abnormal acidity, due to fermentation, if 

 given some time after eating in large doses. 



The vegetable salts (the acetate and citrate) are con- 

 verted into the carbonate in the blood and are non-irritating. 

 The bicarbonate is also absorbed into the blood as the car- 

 bonate. These salts, together with the hydrate, alkalize the 

 blood and urine. It is thought by many authorities that 

 they increase oxidation within the body, as it is known that 

 they do so outside the body in contact with organic matter. 

 Not only water, but also the solids (urea and uric acid) in 

 the urine are increased by their administration. The 

 chlorate and nitrate, not undergoing decomposition in the 

 body, do not give up their oxygen or alkalize the blood or 

 urine. The carbonates are mainly useful as antacids ; the 

 citrate and acetate as diuretics. 



Uses. — Potassium bicarbonate in aqueous solution is 

 serviceable in relieving itching (gr.v.- § i.) It is more useful 

 than sodium bicarbonate in alkalizing an over-acid urine 

 (dogs), and in dissolving and eliminating uric acid from the 

 blood. Potassium citrate and acetate are indicated in irrita- 

 tion or inflammation of the kidneys and bladder and cause 



