Epitome of the Pharmacopeia of the United States and the National Formulary / With Comments

by Albion Walter Hewlett; William August Puckner; Torald Hermann Sollmann; Martin I. Wilbert

Action and Uses: Same as those of Liquor Sodae Chlorinatae, which see under Soda Chlorinata.

Potassa Sulphurata (Pot. Sulphurat.), Sulphurated Potassa, U.S.P. (Liver of Sulphur).—Chiefly potassium polysulphides and potassium thiosulphate.

Irregular pieces, at first liver-brown, later greenish-yellow to gray, with a strong hydrogen sulphide odor and a bitter, acrid, alkaline taste. Very soluble in water; alcohol dissolves only the sulphides. Incompatible with acids and the salts of the heavy metals.

Action and Uses: Employed as a parasiticide and to stimulate and soften the skin in chronic cutaneous diseases.

*Potassii Acetas (Pot. Acet.), Potassium Acetate, U.S.P.—KCH₃COO.

White, odorless or nearly odorless powder or crystalline masses with a warming, saline taste. Freely soluble in water (1:0.5) and in alcohol (1:2.9).

Action and Uses: Systemic alkali and diuretic, practically equivalent to sodium acetate. It can easily be administered in water and milk, so that there appears to be little excuse for the alcoholic elixirs.

Dosage: 1 Gm. or 15 grains (U.S.P.).

Elixir Potassii Acetatis (Elix. Pot. Acet.), Elixir of Potassium Acetate, N.F.—Potassium acetate (8.5%), and aromatic elixir. Absolute alcohol content about 20 per cent.

Dosage: 15 Cc. or 4 fluidrachms (N.F.).