296 DIURETICS 



should be given in large doses every three or four hours until the 

 urine becomes alkaline. They are frequently combined with or 

 given in conjunction vs^ith the salicylates for this purpose. 



2. Dysuria. They are frequently serviceable in dysuria due to 

 excessive acidity of the urine. 



3. Lessen pain due to calculi on account of their diluent action 

 on the urine. 



4. Sedative expectorants. For this purpose they serve a useful 

 role in the early stages of acute bronchitis, when the secretions are 

 thick and scanty. 



POTASSII ACETAS — POTASSIUM ACETATE 



This occurs as a white odorless powder or crystalline masses, 

 with a saline taste. It is soluble in 0.4 parts of water and 2 parts 

 of alcohol. The acetate is a very unstable preparation, as it is very 

 deliquescent, on account of which it should not be prescribed in 

 powders and cannot be kept long after the container has been opened. 

 On this account, it is a good plan to make a definite strength solution 

 upon opening a bottle to use when dispensing. 



Doses. H. 3ij — iv; 8. — 16. D. grs. x — xxx; 0.6 — 2. 



Action and Uses. This is a pleasant and nonirritating diu- 

 retic and is entirely used as such. 



POTASSII CITRAS — POTASSIUM CITRATE 



This occurs as a white granular powder or transparent prismatic 

 crystals, is deliquescent on exposure to the air, odorless, of a pleasant 

 acidulous taste, soluble in 0.5 part of water, sparingly soluble in 

 alcohol. 



Doses. Same as the acetate. 



Preparations. 



Liquoris Potassii Citratis. D. §ss — ] ; 15. — 30. 

 Potassii Citras Effervescens. Twice those of the acetate. 



Action and Uses. The action and uses of this preparation 

 are similar to the acetate and indeed interchangeable with it. The 

 solution is used in mild febrile diseases to promote the secretions 

 from the kidneys and skin. 



POTASSII BITARTRAS 



Synonym. Cream of Tartar 



Occurs as colorless or opaque rhombic crystals or white powder, 

 odorless, of an acid taste, soluble in 200 parts of water, slightly 

 soluble in alcohol. 



