152 INOEGANIC AGENTS 



LiTHH CiTEAS. Lithium Citrate. LijCsHsO,. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Lithium citricum, citrate of lithia, E.; citrate 

 de lithine, Fr.; citronsaures lithion, G. 



Derivation. — Made by action of citric acid on lithium 

 carbonate. 



2H3CeH,0, + 3Li,C03 = 2 Li3CeH,0, + 3 H,0 + 3 CO,. 

 Recovered by evaporation and crystallization. 



Properties. — A white powder, odorless, and having a 

 cooling, faintly alkaline taste ; deliquescent on exposure to 

 air ; soluble in 2 parts of water ; almost insoluble in alcohol 

 .or ether. Reaction neutral. 



Dose.— D., gr.v.-xx. (.3-1.3). 



ACTION OF LITHIUM SALTS. 



"Lithium salts are said to form soluble compounds with 

 uric acid in the blood, and so assist its elimination in the 

 urine. As lithium combines more readily with acid sodium 

 phosphate in the blood than with uric acid, it is doubtful 

 whether it is a very efficient uric acid* solvent in the body. 

 The lithium salts alkalize the urine and notably increase its 

 secretion. 



Summary. — Lithium salts are diuretics, and uric acid 

 solvents in some degree. The carbonate may be given in 

 powder or pill ; the citrate in solution. 



Uses. — Lithium compounds are of little value in veteri- 

 nary medicine. They are serviceable, however, in the 

 ireatment of dogs with a very acid urine of high specific 

 gravity ; with uric acid calculus, or those affected with 

 chronic rheumatism. The salts will not dissolve calculi in 

 the body, but prevent their formation. 



Water is extremely useful in such conditions. Lithium 

 citrate may be placed in the drinking water. Thirst should 

 be encouraged by the administration of salt on the food, and 

 high rectal injections may be given to create absorption of 

 water by this channel. Lithium salicylate is thought to be 



* Uric acid can not exist as such in blood, which is an alkaline fluid. 



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