ORIGIN.--Bicarbonate of soda may be obtained by exposing crystals of
sodium carbonate to carbonic anhydride, or by the interaction of sodium
chloride and ammonium bicarbonate.
PROPERTIES.--Bicarbonate of soda is a white, opaque powder, odorless and
having a cooling, mildly alkaline taste. It is permanent in dry, but
slowly decomposes in moist air. Soluble in twelve parts of water at 15°
C. (59° F.); above this temperature the solution gradually loses carbon
dioxide, and at boiling heat the salt is entirely converted into normal
carbonate, insoluble in alcohol.
ACTIONS.--Antacid, peristaltic stimulant, carminative, alterative and
mildly anodyne externally. It also increases fluidity of and secretion
of gastric juice.
USES.--In disorders of the digestive organ administered half hour before
meals, to increase the flow of gastric juice, or as an antacid after
meals. Young calves when fed on stale skim milk, suffering from
dyspepsia, are benefited by one to two drams of bicarbonate of soda,
dissolved in each meal of milk. Bicarbonate of soda has become a very
popular medicine in the treatment of azoturia in about four ounce doses
every four hours. Bicarbonate of soda is used to lessen the irritation
of itching skin disorders, as nettle-rash and urticaria, one ounce to a
quart of water. Also used as an injection for leucorrhoea. It is an
antidote for acid poisoning.
DOSES.--Horses, 2 dr. to 4 oz.; cattle, 2 dr. to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs,
¹⁄₂ to 1 dr.; dogs, 10 to 30 gr.