MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS. 89 



Action and Uses. — Same as cautsic potash, but less caustic. 

 The potash bicarbonate is preferred ijor medicinal uses. 



POTASSII BICARBON AS — Bicarbonate of Potash.— 

 Acid Carbonate. 



Character. — Non-corrosive, non-deliquescent, colorless, mon- 

 oclinic prisms ; mildly alkaline taste, solubility, i in 4 of water. 



Dose. — Horse, 2 to 6 drs. ; sheep and pigs, 20 grs. to 1 dr. ; 

 cattle, ^ to 1 oz. ; dogs, 2 to 30 grs. 



Physiological Actions and Uses. — Those of potash, only 

 milder, stimulate production of gastric juice administer before 

 meals with bitter tonics, or after meals to overcome excessive 

 acidity of stomach; used in rheumatism and gouty condition to 

 make blood alkaline and overcome lactic acid. Useful as an 

 antacid in nettle-rash and other itching skin diseases. Internally 

 and externally as a mild wash, 3 ij-J^ oz, to the pint. 



The potash bicarbonate is used to remove uric acid deposits, 

 which may occur in overfed dogs. Calculus made up of am- 

 monium, magnesium and phosphates, occur in the bladder and 

 urethra of highly fed rams and wethers. For this use potash 

 bicarbonate y 2 to 1 dr., well diluted, conjoined with -laxative diet 

 and belladonna to dilate urethra ; it is less certain as a diuretic 

 than the acetate or nitrate of potash. 



In leucorrhcea use 2 to 4 drs. to 1 pint for injection to over- 

 come acidity. 



POTASSII ACB7 'AS— Acetate of Potash. 



Character. — White, deliquescent, satiny, neutral masses of a 

 peculiar odor ; also in a granular form. Soluble in 2.y 2 of water. 

 Alcohol, 1 in 2. 



Dose. — Horse, 2 to 4 drs. ; for single dose, 1 or 2 ozs. ; sheep 

 and pigs, 15 grs. to 1 dr. ; cattle, 4 drs. to 1 oz. ; dogs, 2 to 20 grs, 

 These doses may be doubled for marked diuretic effects. 



POTASSII CITRAS— Citrate of Potash. 



Character. — White, granular, deliquescent powder, saline 

 taste, neutral reaction. Soluble, 10 to 6 in water. Dose about 

 the same as the acetate. 



Physiological Actions. — These two salts are the least irritant 

 to the stomach of all the potash salts. They are neutral and 

 have no action on the gastric juice ; are not antacid. They are 



