POTASSIUM CYANIDE 347 



2. To stop coughing. 



3. To allay itcliiEg by means of its local, sedative action 

 upon tlie cutaneous sensory nerve-endings. 



As a medicine it is not of much value, but is used 

 in veterinary practice as a cough remedy, when the 

 symptom is of reflex origin, or is caused by chronic 

 or verminous bronchitis ; and the acid is often conjoined 

 with chloroform, or opium, in some form. Prussic acid 

 is a dangerous remedy to apply to the skin, as absorp- 

 tion may occur, or the acid may be lapped off by the patient. 

 Solutions containing, of the diluted acid, 3 ss.-i. to § i. 

 of water, are, however, sometimes employed to relieve 

 pruritus. 



PoTASSii Ctanidum. Potassium Cyanide. K C N. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Cyanure de potassium, Fr.; cyankalium, G. 



Derivation. — Made by heating together potassium ferro- 

 cyanide and carbonate. 



Properties. — White, opaque, amorphous pieces ; or a 

 white, granular powder, odorless when perfectly dry, but 

 in moist air exhaling the odor of hydrocyanic acid. Taste 

 sharp and alkaline, and in moist air the salt deliquesces. 

 Reaction very strongly alkaline. Solutions stain and destroy 

 clothing. Soluble in about 2 parts of water ; sparingly 

 soluble in alcohol. 



Dose.-B.., gr.i.-ii. (.06-.12); D., gr.-^ (.006). 



Action and Uses. — Potassium cyanide is transformed, in 

 the stomach and blood, into prussic acid, and resembles the 

 latter in its action-, but is much slower. Death has been 

 caused in man by 5 grains of the salt. 



Akgenti Cyanidum. Silver Cyanide. Ag C N. (U. S. P.) 

 A white, insoluble, tasteless, odorless powder, used for 

 making prussic acid. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



