126 INQEGANIC AGENTS 



taste. Deliquescent on exposure to air. Soluble in 0.6 

 part of water; sparingly soluble in alcohol. 

 Dose. — Same as bicarbonate. 



ACTION" OF THE CABBOWATES AND VEGETABLE SALTS. 



The carbonate is too irritating for internal use, while 

 the bicarbonate is more so than the similar sodium salt. 

 Therefore the latter is in more common use as an antacid. 

 Antacids neutralize abnormal acidity, due to fermentation, if 

 given some time after eating in large doses. 



The vegetable salts (the acetate and citrate) are con- 

 verted into the carbonate in the blood and are non-irritating. 

 The bicarbonate is also absorbed into the blood as the car- 

 bonate. 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 experiments with the hydrates and car- 

 bonates, neither oxidation nor metabolism 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 car- 

 bonates combine with water. The, carbonates are mainly use- 

 ful 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, per- 

 mitting medicinal agents to penetrate the skin. A mixture 

 of potassium carbonate, 15.0 (^ss.) ; sublimed sulphur, 50.0 

 (§i.-3v.) ; and water, 12 liters (3 gallons), makes a service- 

 able application 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 eificient as the correspond- 

 ing sodium salt, it is of benefit when given an hour after 

 feeding to horses subject to colic at that time. It is more 



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