POTASSIUM CITRATE 105 



deliquescent on exposure to the air. Soluble in 0.5 part of water and in 2.9 parts 

 of alcohol. 



Doat. — Same as bicarbonate. 



PoTASsii CiTBAS. Potassium Citrate. K,C„H„Ot+H,0. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 

 Synonym. — Citrate de potasse, Fr.; Citronsaures kali, G. 



Derivation. — Neutralize potassium carbonate with a solution of citric acid, 

 and evaporate to dryness. 



8 KjCOa + 2 H,C„H.O, = 2 K^C.H^O, + 3 H^O + 3 CO^. 

 Properties. — Transparent, prismatic crystals, or a white, granular powder; 

 odorless and having a cooling, saline taste. Deliquescent when exposed to moist 

 air. Soluble in 0.6 part of water; almost Insoluble in alcohol, freely soluble in 

 glycerin. 



Dose. — Same as bicarbonate. 



Action of the Carbonates and Vegetables Salts. 



The carbonate is too irritating for internal use, while the bicarbo- 

 nate is more so than the similar sodium salt. Therefore the latter is in 

 more common use as an antacid. Antacids neutralize abnormal gastric 

 acidity if given in large doses some time after eating. 



The vegetable salts (the acetate and citrate) are converted into the 

 carbonate in the blood and 4re non-irritating. The bicarbonate Is also 

 absorbed into the blood as the carbonate. These salts, together with the 

 hydrate, alkalize the blood and urine. It is thought by many authorities 

 that they increase oxidation within the body, as it is known that they do 

 so outside the body in contact with organic matter. As a result of all ex- 

 periments with the hydrates and carbonates, neither oxidation nor meta- 

 bolism appear to be materially influenced. 



Uric acid elimination is not affected, but urea may be increased, 

 replacing ammonia in the urine. The action; of these salts is due wholly 

 to the hydroxyl (OH) ion. The action of the carbonates is only less in 

 degree and rapidity than the hydrates, since OH is freed in the body 

 when carbonates combine with water. The carbonates are mainly useful 

 as antacids ; the citrate and acetate as diuretics. 



Uses. — Potassium carbonate forms a useful addition to mixtures for 

 application to the skin, as, through its strong alkalinity, it removes grease 

 and sebaceous matter, permitting medicinal agents to penetrate the skin. 

 A mixture of potassium carbonate, 15.0 (§ss.) ; sublimed sulphur, 50.0 

 (^i. 3v.) ; and water, 12 litres (3 gallons), makes a serviceable applica- 

 tion for the milder forms of mange and eczema. The animal should be 

 well washed with the mixture in a tub every second day, and Peruvian 

 balsam, oil of cade or tar should be applied daily. Potassium bicarbonate 

 in aqueous solution is serviceable in relieving itching (gr.v.-§i.). While 

 probably not so generally efficient as the corresponding sodium salt, it is 

 of benefit when given an hour after feeding to horses subject to colic at 

 that time. It is more useful than sodium bicarbonate in alkalizing an 

 over-acid urine (dogs), and in dissolving and eliminating uric acid from 

 the blood. Potassium citrate and acetate are indicated in irritation or 

 inflammation of the kidneys and bladder and cause absorption of exuda- 

 tions (pleural effusions, for example), through their diuretic power. 



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