MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 87 



AGENTS PROMOTING DESTRUCTIVE 

 METAMORPHOSIS, 



Or increasing waste, most commonly called waste producers. 



Alkalies. — Comprise salts of potash, soda, lithium and am- 

 monia. 



Alkalies are directly opposed to acids. They increase acid 

 and diminish alkaline secretions when given }A hour before 

 meals. In dyspepsia, due to excessive acidity, the result of 

 undue fermentation, administer J^ hour to an hour after eating. 

 The alkalies and salts alter osmosis in animal membranes and 

 promote both the action of the bowels and kidneys ; they increase 

 the alkalinity of the blood, encourage oxidation, produce waste, 

 and promote other alterative effects. 



POTASSIUM. 



SYNONYM KAUUM. 



Potash and its salts are protoplasmic poisons when used 

 long enough and in sufficient concentration, are more soluble, 

 more readily absorbed and diffused, but are also more quickly 

 excreted than sodium salts, are also more powerful irritants. In 

 large doses they act as irritants to the gastro-intestinal tract. 



The circulation is generally depressed by potassium salts ; 

 but after small doses, the primary depression of the pulse rate 

 and arterial pressure is followed by a rise of both. Large doses 

 cause a rapid fall of blood pressure and pulse rate, consequently 

 they are cardiac depressants. If injected into a vein they will 

 paralyze the heart. 



Antagonists and Incompatibles of all Alkalies. — The alkalies 

 and their carbonates are incompatible with acids and metallic 

 salts. They decompose the alkaloids of vegetable drugs. Never 

 prescribe with the alkalies any of the alkaloids. Potassium 

 chlorate rubbed with sugar forms an explosive. In case of poi- 

 soning by the alkalies give dilute vegetable acids as vinegar, 

 lemon juice, etc. Also administer oils which form soap; demul- 

 cents in general are indicated ; empty stomach, when you can. 



Synergist. — Other alkalies and waste producers as mercury, 

 iodides, etc. 



