298 DIURETICS 



Salts of Lithium. The action of lithium salts is quite similar 

 to the corresponding salts of potassium and, like those of potassium, 

 they increase the secretion of the kidneys and diminish its acidity. 

 They were formerly recommended for gouty conditions and as sol- 

 vents for uric acid gravel. This use vi^as based on the fact that 

 lithium unites v^ith uric acid and makes a more soluble compound, 

 but the conditions found within the body are so different from those 

 of the chemical laboratory that this action is impossible. Since the 

 alkalies are not excreted as carbonates or in the same form as given, 

 the above results are impossible. There is no reason to believe that 

 they possess any advantage over the corresponding salts of potash or 

 soda, which they resemble closely in action. Lithium carbonate 

 and citrate are official. They occur as white odorless powders, solu- 

 ble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol. 



Average dose for dogs, grs. viij ; 0.5. 



Calomel and Blue Mass. The action of these preparations as 

 diuretics is probably due to their irritating action upon the renal 

 epithelium, as in case of all absorbable metals. These are the only 

 metallic preparations used for diuretic action. They are especially 

 useful in cases of cardiac dropsy but are of doubtful value in renal 

 or hepatic dropsies or in cases of serous effusions. 



Spiritus .^theris Nitrosi (Sweet spirits of nitre), Nitre. See 

 Diaphoretics for details of action. This is a pleasant remedy but 

 of feeble diuretic properties. The diuresis probably depends upon 

 dilatation of the blood vessels of the kidneys. Spirits of nitrous ether 

 is also a diaphoretic. Whether it serves as a diuretic or diaphoretic 

 depends upon the conditions under which the animals are kept. If 

 they are kept well covered and warm, it serves as a diaphoretic, 

 otherwise as a diuretic. As a diuretic it seems that it would be of 

 use in those conditions due to increased arterial tension of the kid- 

 neys, that is, oliguria due to febrile diseases or active congestion of 

 the kidneys. It is more important for its carminative and dia- 

 phoretic actions. 



