DERIVATION.--Neutralize potassium carbonate with a solution of citric
acid and evaporate to dryness.
PROPERTIES.--White, granular, deliquescent powder, saline taste, neutral
reaction. Soluble in water.
DOSE.--Same as potassium acetate.
ACTIONS.--Potassium acetate and citrate are the least irritant to the
stomach of all the potassium salts. They are neutral and have no action
on the gastric juice: are not antacid. They are changed into the
carbonate of potassium and as such circulate in the blood. Are powerful
direct diuretics, stimulate the renal cells direct and increase both the
water and the solids of the urine, also diaphoretic; the citrate more
than the acetate. They have a slight depressing action on the heart, and
slightly expectorant.
USES.--Potassium acetate and citrate are indicated in irritation or
inflammation of the kidneys and bladder and cause absorption of
exudations (pleural effusion, for example) through their diuretic power.
They are sometimes prescribed in fever on account of slight diaphoretic
and powerful diuretic properties. They also stimulate bronchial
secretions and make it thinner and are recommended accordingly in
bronchitis. They are used in gouty conditions, Bright’s disease, fevers
of all kinds, azoturia, dropsical conditions, pleurisy, ascites oedema
of the legs, sheath, udder, etc., combined with tonics, as iron, etc.