POTASSII BITARTRAS—POTASSIUM BITARTRATE—CREAM OF TARTAR
Derivation.—Obtained from crude tartar deposited on the sides of wine casks during fermentation of grape juice, by purification.
Properties.—Colorless or slightly opaque, rhombic crystals, or a white, somewhat gritty powder; odorless and having a pleasant, acidulous taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in water; very sparingly soluble in alcohol.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1⁄2 to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.; dogs, 1⁄2 to 1 dr.
Actions.—Potassium bitartrate is a non-irritating purgative in large doses. It is a hydragogue cathartic and has a strong affinity for water; abstracting it from the blood vessels in the bowels, holding the same in solution and thus flushing out the intestines.
Uses.—Is used for liver disease, chronic constipation, skin disease and as a refrigerant in febrile conditions. It should be given in solution and is useful in dropsies, more particularly of renal origin; also in catarrhal jaundice, and as a laxative for foals and calves. In cases where the urine of the horse is thick, stringy and high colored, it will cause it to regain its normal state. It may easily be administered in either food or drinking water, and its diuretic effect is enhanced when given with a large amount of water.