Properties : Ammonium chlorid usually occurs as a white, crystalline powder, without odor, having a cooling, saline taste. It is freely soluble in water (1:2), and soluble in alcohol (1:50), its aqueous solutions being neutral or very slightly acid to litmus.

Incompatibilities: Ammonium chlorid is incompatible with alkaline hydroxids and carbonates, which liberate ammonia. It precipitates the insoluble chlorids of silver and of lead from solutions of the salts of those metals.

Action and Uses: Ammonium chlorid is said to be absorbed more quickly than any other salt, and in general has saline properties. Its principal activity is as an expectorant, though it is slightly diuretic and diaphoretic. Its vapors have been used for inhalation in cases of nasopharyngeal catarrh and as an expectorant in bronchitis. For this purpose it may also be generated in a special apparatus by the union of the vapors of strong hydrochloric acid and ammonia water.

Dosage: From 0.30 to 1 gm. (from 5 to 15 grains), repeated every two or three hours, or less frequently, depending on the size of the dose.

Its taste is best concealed or modified by administering it in a sour mixture as:

gm. or c.c.

R Ammonii chloridi ...........        5                      3 iss

Syrupi acidi citrici ......... 50             or fl.oz ii

Aquae q.s................ad 100                   fl.oz. iv

M. et Sig.: A teaspoonful, in water, every two hours.

To the preceding prescription codein sulphate may be added, if desired. The amount of citric acid should be diminished when the prescription is for a child, and after the child has taken a dose of it he could be given a piece of chocolate or a simple peppermint or wintergreen lozenge.