POTASSII CHLORAS — POTASSIUM CHLORATE 349 



POTASSn CARBONAS 



Synonyms. Potassium Carbonate, Sal Tartar, Salts of Tartar 



White granular, odorless crystals, slightly alkaline, saline taste, 

 permanent in air, soluble in 3.2 parts of water, ahnost insoluble in 

 alcohol. 



Doses. H. and C. Sss — ^j ; 2. — 4. Dog, gr. v— xx; 0.3 — 1.3. 



Action and Uses. The action and uses have been discussed 

 previously. The hydroxide may be used as a strong caustic to 

 prevent the growth of horn and as an escharotic. Potassium with 

 lime is an escharotic; these preparations are not much used inter- 

 nally. Potassium carbonate is too irritant for internal medication 

 but is added to. ointments to aid their penetration by dissolving the 

 grease and sebaceous matter of the skin. 



POTASSII CHLORAS — POTASSIUM CHLORATE 



This is not really an alkaline salt of potash but on account of 

 difficulty in grouping will be discussed in this place. It occurs in 

 the form of colorless, crystalline plates, odorless and of a cooling, 

 saline taste. It is soluble in 11.5 parts of water, almost insoluble 

 in alcohol. Great care should be used in handling it, as it is liable 

 to explode when heated or subjected to concussion, or trituration with 

 organic substances, sulphur, sulphides, hypophosphates or other 

 easily oxidizable substances. 



Doses. H. and C. 3ss — j ; 2. — 4. Dog, gr. v — ^xx; 0.3 — 1.3. 



Preparation. 



Trochisci Potassii Chloratis, each about 2% grains. 



Action. Applied to mucous membranes it is stimulant or irri- 

 tant according to concentration. Taken internally, contrary to pre- 

 vious belief, it does not yield oxygen but most of it passes out of 

 the body unchanged. The larger proportion is eliminated by the 

 kidneys, but some is also excreted by the saliva, milk and tears. The 

 only symptom shoAvn after moderate doses, is an increase in the 

 amount of urine. Concentrated solutions, even of therapeutic doses 

 may irritate the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting. Por many 

 years the drug was not believed to be toxic but Jacobi in 1861, 

 pointed out the dangers resulting from large doses of the drug. 



Symptoms of Poisoning. The symptoms of poisoning by 

 potassium chlorate are the result of the action of the drug upon the 

 heart, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and blood. Both radicles or 

 ions must be considered; through its potassium ion it depresses the 



