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

*Potassii Bicarbonas (Pot. Bicarb.), Potassium Bicarbonate, U.S.P.—KHCO₃.

Colorless, transparent crystals or white, granular powder, odorless and having a saline, slightly alkaline taste. Freely soluble in water (1:2.8) and almost insoluble in alcohol.

Action and Uses: Mild alkali; similar to sodium bicarbonate, but without advantage over the latter.

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

Liquor Antisepticus Alkalinus (Liq. Antisept. Alk.), Alkaline Antiseptic Solution, N.F.—Potassium bicarbonate (3.2%), sodium borate (3.2%) and sodium benzoate (0.8%) with thymol, eucalyptol, oil of peppermint, methyl salicylate and cudbear in alcohol, glycerin and water.

Uses: Of slight value as antiseptic, but a pleasant cleansing gargle.

*Potassi Bitartras (Pot. Bitart.), Potassium Bitartrate, U.S.P. (Cream of Tartar).

Colorless, slightly opaque crystals or white, somewhat gritty powder, odorless and having an acidulous taste. Only slightly soluble in water (1:155) and very slightly soluble in alcohol (1:8,820).

Action and Uses: Diuretic and aperient. Frequently administered in combination with jalap as a hydragogue cathartic. See Pulvis Jalapae Compositus under Jalapa.

Dosage: 2 Gm. or 30 grains (U.S.P.).