DERIVATION.--A mixture of ammonium chloride or sulphate, and calcium
carbonate, is sublimed and resublimed. Ammonium carbonate, so-called, is
a mixture of ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate.
PROPERTIES.--White translucent masses, having a strongly ammoniacal
odor, and a sharp saline taste. On exposure to air it loses both ammonia
and carbonic dioxide, soluble one part in four parts of water.
DOSES.--Horses and cattle, 1 to 3 drs.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₄ to 1 dr.;
dogs, 2 to 8 grs. Larger doses are recommended when a antispasmodic or
carminative is desired the dose for horses and cattle can be increased
to an ounce, but only two doses should be administered, well diluted in
water or in ball or capsule.
ACTIONS.--Ammonium carbonate is decomposed by acid in the stomach and
escapes in the urine. It stimulates gastric secretion, vascularity and
motion, and exciting intestinal peristalsis. It is, therefore, a
stomachic and carminative. It is also an antacid, and, in large doses,
an emetic for dogs. It is given in capsules or in solution in cold
water, to avoid irritating fumes; also with syrup or gruel. It is often
prescribed with other stimulants and antispasmodics, as alcohol,
camphor, capsicum and asafoetida. The action of ammonium carbonate is
almost identical with that of ammonia water in stimulating the heart and
respiration, but it has more power in augmenting the bronchial
secretions.
USES.--It is given to all animals in indigestion; conjoins the actions
of an antacid and diffusible stimulant; in small doses promotes
secretion of gastric juice, and in larger, relieves flatulence and
spasm. In diseases of the air passages it is used as an expectorant; is
contra-indicated in purpura haemorrhagica, as it lowers the oxygen
carrying power of red blood corpuscles, and dissolves fibrin. As a
stimulant it can be combined with alcohol and sulphuric ether. Ammonia
is recommended where a clot, thrombi or embolism is supposed to exist on
account of its defibrinating power. Ammonium carbonate is used
extensively in the treatment of spasmodic and flatulent, colic and acute
indigestion conjoined with either asafoetida, capsicum, camphor, nux
vomica and alcohol.