SULPHURATED POTASSA 261 



sulphides induce two notable phenomena in toxic doses, 

 rirst, they cause convulsions in mammals-bowing to action 

 on the cerebrum — and, in lethal doses, paralysis of the re- 

 spiratory and vasomotor centres. Second, they produce alter- 

 ation in the hemoglobin of the red corpuscles with formation 

 of a body like methemoglobin and called sulpho-hemogoblin. 

 In frogs this happens during life but in mammals apparently 

 comes on immediately after death. Externally the sulphides 

 in solution dissolves the horny epidermis and hair, and leads 

 to irritation of the skin after prolonged action. 



T!he sulphides undergo oxidation in the blood and escape 

 in the urine as siilphates and organic sulphur compounds and 

 in the breath and sweat as hydrogen sulphide. Sulphurated 

 potassa has been administered internally as a substitute for 

 sulphur, but is only of value externally. 



Action and Uses External. — Sulphurated potassa is one 

 of the most serviceable agents we possess in the treatment 

 of chronic forms of skin diseases, as acne, lichen, but 

 particularly eczema of the horse and dog. It is locally 

 stimulant, alterative ( ?), and parasiticide. There is only 

 one drawback to its general use, which is its exceedingly dis- 

 agreeable odor. Peruvian balsam is frequently substituted 

 for this reason in the treatment of skin diseases in dogs. A: 

 solution, "yellow lotion," is used in different strengths (1-8 

 to 1-15), according to the amount of stimulation which the 

 skin will endure. The " yellow lotion," is a good agent for 

 killing lice upon the skin. The following prescription will 

 be found of benefit in canine practice : 



Potassse Sulphuratse 3 n. ss. 



Chloralis ^ ss. 



01. Anisi 5"- 



Aquae ad 5 iv. 



M. 



S. External use. 



The chloral relieves itching and the anise disguises tO 

 some extent the odor of hydrogen sulphide. 



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