This section is from the "A Handbook of Useful Drugs" book, by State Medical Examining and Licensing Boards.
A solution containing 36 per cent, by weight of absolute acetic acid (H.C2H3O2) =CH3COOH. (In some European countries a preparation comparable to glacial acetic acid, U. S. P., containing 99 per cent. of absolute acetic acid, is known as acetic acid, and the article that is official in the U. S. P. as "diluted acetic acid" is sometimes described as acetum or vinegar.)
Diluted Acetic Acid, U. S. P., contains 6 per cent of absolute acetic acid.
Properties : Acetic acid is a clear, colorless solution. In all of its forms it is freely miscible with water.
Action and Uses : Acetic acid, as such, is not ordinarily used internally, but when administered in the diluted form it is mildly diaphoretic and diuretic. Externally it is a caustic, rubefacient and parasiticide.
See Under Aspirin.
 
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