Potassae Nitras.

Related entry: Potassae Nitras under diaphoretics

Dose.—Of Nitrate of Potash, as a diuretic, from grs. x. grs. xx., dissolved in ℥j. of water, and repeated every two, three, or four hours.

As a refrigerant, diaphoretic, and diuretic, Nitrate of Potash is very valuable in febrile and inflammatory diseases. It promotes both the inspiratory and renal secretions, diminishes the temperature of the body, and lessens the frequency of the pulse. It will be readily seen that such a combination of properties will render it an efficient agent in controlling febrile and inflammatory action. Its powers in this respect are greatly promoted by combining it with ipecacuanha and other nauseating and diaphoretic agents. We frequently make use of the compound powder of Asclepias and Nitrate of Potash, spoken of under the class diaphoretics, in these diseases, and especially in acute or inflammatory rheumatism, and with the most satisfactory results. This combination promotes the secretions, especially of the skin and kidneys, and greatly lessens exalted organic action. In bilious fever, attended with torpor of the liver, hepatic congestion and intestinal inactivity, it may be associated with small doses of Podophyllum or Podophyllin with much benefit. (See Diaphoretics.)

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.