DERIVATION.--Obtained from crude tartar deposited on the sides of wine
casks during fermentation of grape juice, by purification.
PROPERTIES.--Colorless or slightly opaque, rhombic crystals, or a white,
somewhat gritty powder; odorless and having a pleasant, acidulous taste.
Permanent in the air. Soluble in water; very sparingly soluble in
alcohol.
DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 dr.;
dogs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.
ACTIONS.--Potassium bitartrate is a non-irritating purgative in large
doses. It is a hydragogue cathartic and has a strong affinity for water;
abstracting it from the blood vessels in the bowels, holding the same in
solution and thus flushing out the intestines.
USES.--Is used for liver disease, chronic constipation, skin disease and
as a refrigerant in febrile conditions. It should be given in solution
and is useful in dropsies, more particularly of renal origin; also in
catarrhal jaundice, and as a laxative for foals and calves. In cases
where the urine of the horse is thick, stringy and high colored, it will
cause it to regain its normal state. It may easily be administered in
either food or drinking water, and its diuretic effect is enhanced when
given with a large amount of water.