POTASSII NITRAS — POTASSIUM NITRATE 297 



Doses. Diuretic dose, same as the acetate. Laxative dose 

 for dog, 3j — iv ; 4 — 15. 



Action and Uses. This drug differs somewhat in action, from 

 the other members of this group, as it is not rapidly absorbed and 

 consequently serves as a mild laxative as well as diuretic. It is one 

 of the ingredients of Eochelle salts. It is used as a mild laxative for 

 small animals and as a mild diuretic for the larger ones. 



OTHER DIURETIC SALTS OF POTASSIUM 

 POTASSIUM NITRAS 



Synonyms. Salt Peter, Niter 



Potassium nitrate occurs as colorless, transparent, rhombic 

 crystals, or crystalline powder, odorless, of a cooling saline taste, 

 permanent in air, soluble in 3.6 parts of water, slightly soluble in 

 alcohol. 



Doses. H. 3 ij — iv; 8. — 15. D. grs. v — ^xxx; 0.3 — 2. 

 Repeated twice daily. 



Action. It resembles the previous salts except that it is more 

 irritating. As in the case of the vegetable salts of potassium, it 

 increases the urine by its salt action and direct action upon the cells 

 of the kidneys. In large doses, potassium nitrate is not only more 

 irritating than the vegetable salts, but is also more liable to depress 

 the heart and nervous system on account of a relatively greater 

 action of the potassium ion over that of the nitrate ion. It is partly 

 eliminated by the kidneys and saliva unchanged, but a part is believed 

 to undergo a change in the tissues. In toxic doses death is due to 

 gastroenteritis. It is believed jay some to possess some alterative 

 properties and is consequently a favorite ingredient of condition or 

 alterative powders. 



Externally it is refrigerant. 



Uses. 1. Alterative and febrifuge. In catarrhal affections 

 and febrile conditions where it is thought to be of benefit by increas- 

 ing bronchial, cutaneous, and urinary secretions, thus assisting the 

 elimination of waste material. For this purpose it is often com- 

 bined with small doses of epsom salts and given in the drinking 

 water. 



2. Diuretic. Here it is probably the most used drug in veter- 

 inary practice (in edema of the limbs, lymphangitis, etc.) but 

 should be contraindicated in renal diseases. It possesses no advan- 

 tage except that of permanency in air, and cheapness, over the less 

 irritating vegetable salts. 



3. Externally and locally. It serves as a refrigerant in solution 

 in combination with ammonium chloride but has no advantage over 

 ice. 



