ACTION AND USES: Introduced in common with other hypophosphites as a cure for tuberculosis; since used as "nerve-foods." There is no proof that the hypophosphites exert any physiologic effect, influence any pathologic process, or have any food value.
=*Potassii Iodidum (Pot. Iod.), Potassium Iodide, U.S.P.=--KI.
Transparent, translucent or opaque crystals or white granular powder, with a pungent, saline, afterward bitter taste. Very soluble in water (1:0.7) and soluble in alcohol (1:22). Incompatible with mineral acids and oxidizing agents and should not be prescribed in solution with alkaloids or alkaloid-containing drugs.
ACTION AND USES: Saline expectorant, especially in asthma and chronic bronchitis; diuretic; antisyphilitic; "alterative" in rheumatic conditions, sclerosis, etc.
DOSAGE: 0.3 Gm. or 5 grains (U.S.P.); best administered in simple solution and well diluted; in lues the dose should be gradually increased to the limit of tolerance.
_Unguentum Potassii Iodidi (Ung. Pot. Iod.), Ointment of Potassium Iodide, N.F._--Potassium iodide (10%), sodium thiosulphate (1%), water and benzoinated lard.
USES: An irrational method of administering potassium iodide, as none of the drug is absorbed through the skin.
=Potassi Nitras (Pot. Nitras), Potassium Nitrate, U.S.P.= (Saltpetre).--KNO{ 3}.
Transparent crystals or white powder, odorless and having a cooling saline taste. Freely soluble in water (1:2.8) and slightly soluble in alcohol (1:620).
ACTION AND USES: Diuretic, irritant to kidneys and intestines; has largely gone out of use.
_Charta Potassii Nitratis (Chart. Pot. Nit.), Potassium Nitrate Paper, N.F._--Paper impregnated with potassium nitrate.
USES: The smoke is inhaled in asthma, but is not very effective.
=*Potassii Permanganas (Pot. Permang.), Potassium Permanganate, U.S.P.=--KMnO{ 4}.
Slender, dark purple odorless crystals, with a taste (in solution) at first sweet, afterward disagreeable and astringent. Soluble in water (1:13.5), forming violet-red to rose-colored solutions which stain the fingers and clothes. Decomposed by alcohol and glycerin. Should not be brought into contact with organic or other readily oxidizable substances.
ACTION AND USES: Effective deodorant, disinfectant and astringent. Internally as emmenagogue, probably useless.