Properties : Potassium acetate occurs as a white powder or in crystalline masses, odorless, and having a saline taste ; it is deliquescent on exposure to air. It is very soluble in water (1 :0.4), and is freely soluble in alcohol

Action and Uses: Potassium acetate is oxidized in the organism to potassium carbonate or bicarbonate. This tends to make the blood alkaline, and the salts excreted by the kidney render the urine less acid and, after large doses, alkaline. It is a marked diuretic, increasing the amount of urine and the solids of the urine without irritation of the kidney; consequently it is preferable to other diuretics in the treatment of nephritis.

An alkaline reaction favors oxidation; hence the potassium salts which yield the carbonate on oxidation increase the processes of metabolism. An increase in alkalinity is also believed to favor the production of immunity in infections, and potassium acetate and other salts of potassium which increase the alkalinity of the urine, are useful in infections, especially such as pneumonia and rheumatism. Whenever it is desirable to make the urine neutral or alkaline, potassium acetate affords a convenient means of obtaining the desired result. It is useful as a diuretic in acute nephritis.

Potassium salts are poisonous in excessive doses, but not enough can be administered by mouth to cause toxic effects.

Dosage: 2 gm. or 30 grains once in three hours, for a time.

The effect obtained can be determined by examining the reaction of the urine and regulating the dosage accordingly.