Formula

Khco3.

Derivation

Bicarbonate of potassium is obtained by passing carbonic acid through an aqueous solution of carbonate of potassium, until it is completely saturated. The solution is then filtered and evaporated, the product being bicarbonate of potassium, in the form of transparent, colorless crystals, of the shape of irregular eight-sided prisms. It is inodorous, with a saline and somewhat alkaline taste, and is soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol. Its incompatibles are acids and acidulous salts, etc.

Medical Properties And Action

Bicarbonate of potassium is antacid, diuretic and antilithic. In large quantities it is a corrosive poison.

Therapeutic Uses

It is employed internally in acute rheumatism, gout, and uric acid lithiasis, diseases of the skin, calculous affections, etc., etc.

Dose

Of bicarbonate of potassium, gr. v to

Dental Uses

Bicarbonate of potassium is employed in dental practice as an antacid, a solution being serviceable as a mouth wash, to prevent injury to the teeth from acid medicines.

Dental Formulae

For Neuralgia.

J. E. Garretson. Ferri sulphatis exsic, Potassii carbonatis aa gr.ccl Syrup acaciae . . q.s. M.

Ft. pil. No. 100. Signa. - Begin with 3 a day and increase to 6; take several hundred.

For Facial Neuralgia.

Wales.

Potassii bicarb. Ext. ergotae fluidi Infusi ergotse . .

Signa

Two tablespoonfuls every 4 hours.