Uses.—Potassium iodide is useful in promoting absorption of enlarged lymphatic glands, and its action should be assisted by the application of iodine or red iodide of mercury externally. Potassium iodide in small doses diminishes congestion and increases the fluidity and amount of secretions in acute laryngitis, acute and subacute bronchitis, and appears to possess an alterative action in improving the condition and nutrition of the bronchial mucous membranes. It is also of some value in asthma, pulmonary emphysema and chronic bronchitis, unassociated with copious secretion. Chronic pleuritis, pericarditis and ascites are treated with potassium iodide, which assists absorption and occasionally exerts a diuretic effect. Tardy resolution of pneumonia consolidation is hastened by potassium iodide. Endocarditis with cardiac hypertrophy is said to be benefited by potassium iodide and digitalis.
Champignon, or scirrhous cord in horses, is sometimes cured by the sorbefacient powers of potassium iodide in full doses. Potassium iodide is of value in goiter of dogs, calves and sheep when tincture of iodine is used externally. “Roaring” and “thick wind” may be cured by the administration of potassium iodide. It is the best medicine known for actinomycosis. Potassium iodide has a clinical reputation for its power to aid absorption and resolution in inflammation or effusions of the brain or spinal cord, in paralysis of the body or limbs and inflammation of the membranes covering the brain.
Doses.—Horses, 2 to 4 dr.; cattle, 3 to 6 dr.; sheep and pigs, 15 to 30 gr.; dogs, 1 to 10 gr.
It should be given to the larger animals in doses of three drachms daily, until iodism appears, which shows itself by loss of appetite, an irritable, catarrhal condition of the mucous membranes of the nostrils, eyes, throat and digestive organs, a vesicular skin eruption, abstinence from water, diminished secretions of urine, temperature elevated and emaciation.
POTASSII NITRAS—POTASSIUM NITRATE—NITRATE OF POTASH—NITER—SALTPETRE
Derivation.—Nitrate of potash may be obtained by purifying crude niter, or by the interaction of sodium nitrate and potassium chloride.
Properties.—Colorless, transparent, six-sided, rhombic prisms, or a crystalline powder, odorless and having a cooling, saline and pungent taste. Permanent in the air. Soluble in water; very sparingly soluble in alcohol.
Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 6 dr.; dogs, 5 to 20 gr.
Actions.—Large doses irritate the stomach, bowels and kidneys; medical doses are alterative, febrifuge, diuretic and feebly laxative. Excreted by the bronchial glands, skin and kidneys, increasing secretions of these organs; is a cardiac depressant and mild refrigerant and diaphoretic.
Nitrate of potash is more frequently prescribed than any other potash salt in veterinary medicine, and is commonly considered one of the best febrifuges. Its only service in fevers is as a diuretic.