AMMONIUM CARBONATE 139 



centres. Where ammonia is applied directly to nerve tissue 

 it excites in dilute solution, but paralyzes functional activity 

 in concentration. The brain is unaffected by the therapeutic 

 administration of ammonia. 



Elimination. — Ammonia combines with acid in the 

 stomach and is absorbed into the blood. Its fate is unknown. 

 Probably it is oxidized in part and escapes as nitric acid, 

 possibly to some extent as urea and uric acid. The acidity 

 of urine is increased by its elimination. 



Summary. — Heart and respiratory stimulant and antacid. 

 Externally, rubefacient, vesicant, and escharotic. 



Uses. — The indications for ammonia are closely in accord 

 with its physiological actions. 



Externally. — It is frequently used in stimulating lini- 

 ments. One part each of water of ammonia and oil of tur- 

 pentine, may be combined to advantage with 4 to 6 parts of 

 camphor liniment. Ammonia water is one of the best 

 remedies to relieve pain and antagonize the action of insect 

 bites, as stings of bees and wasps. It should be applied 

 directly to the poisoned part. 



Internally. — Ammonia is indicated when rapid stimula- 

 tion of the heart and respiration is desirable. In emer- 

 gencies it may be given intravenously (aq. ammon. fort. 1 ; 

 water, 4 parts) ; or by inhalation. It is serviceable in the 

 treatment of prussic acid and aconite poisoning, syncope, 

 collapse and shock following surgical operations ; also in 

 snake bites. The spirit of ammonia may be prescribed in 

 fevers as a stimulant. Ammonia is inferior to ammonium 

 carbonate or the aromatic spirit in the care of colic and 

 tympanites. 



Ammonii Carbonas. Ammonium Carbonate. NH^ HCOa 

 NH, NH, CO,. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Volatile salt, sal volatile siccum, carbonas 

 ammonicus, E.; ammonium carbonicum, P. G.; carbonate 

 d'ammoniaque, alkali volatil concret, sel volatil d'Angleterre, 



