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

Dosage: 1 set of two powders (U.S.P.).

*Potassii Hydroxidum (Pot. Hydrox.), Potassium Hydroxide, U.S.P. (Caustic Potash, Potassium Hydrate).—KOH (not less than 85%).

Dry white or nearly white, odorless, deliquescent, hard and brittle flakes, masses or sticks. Very soluble in water (1:0.9) and freely soluble in alcohol (1:3).

Action and Uses: Internally, an antacid, but objectionable for it is more irritant than the bicarbonate and without advantage over the latter. Externally, caustic and solvent, but too diffluent.

*Liquor Potassii Hydroxidi (Liq. Pot. Hydrox.), Solution of Potassium Hydroxide, U.S.P. (Liquor Potassae, Solution of Potassa).—KOH (not less than 4.5%).

Dosage: 1 Cc. or 15 minims (U.S.P.).

Potassa cum Calce (Pot. c. Calc.), Potassa with Lime, N.F.—Potassium hydroxide (50%) and calcium oxide.

Uses: Caustic.

Potassii Hypophosphis (Pot. Hypophos.), Potassium Hypophosphite, U.S.P.—KH₂PO₂. (Caution should be observed in handling this product to avoid explosion.)

White, opaque deliquescent plates, crystalline masses or granular powder, odorless and having a pungent, saline taste. Very soluble in water (1:0.6) and freely soluble in alcohol (1:9).