Tartarated Antimony. Antimonii Potassio-Tartras (Ph. Lond.); Potassio-Tartrate of Antimony; Antimonium Tartarizatum; Tartarized Antimony; Tartar Emetic, SbO3,KO, C8H4 O10 + 2 HO. A compound of Teroxide of Antimony 43.715, Potash 13.428, Tartaric Acid 37.714, Water 5.143 in 100 parts; or 1 Eq. Teroxide of Antimony = 135 + 1 Potash = 47 + 1 Tartaric Acid =132 + 2 Water = 18 = 350, Eq. Wt.

Med. Prop, and Action. In doses of gr.1/16-1/8, alterative; of 1/8 - 1/6, diaphoretic and expectorant; of 1/4 - 1/2, nauseating and sudorific; of gr. i. - iv. (in solution) emetic. Its emetic property is much increased by the addition of Ipecacuanha (grs. xv. - xl.) and its diaphoretic, by the addition of the Sulphate or Nitrate of Potash. In excessive doses it acts as an irritant poison, forty grains having proved fatal. When administered, it is absorbed into the system; it has been detected in the blood, viscera, and urine; it exerts a specific action on the stomach and alimentary canal, as is shown by the fact that, when injected into the veins or the rectum, or applied to the denuded skin, it produces nausea and vomiting. From its beneficial operation in Pneumonia, it is supposed to exercise a specific action also on the lungs, and this opinion is strengthened by the fact, that the lungs of animals killed by it were found congested, of an orange, red, or violet colour, and, in some cases, hepatized. M. Bonamy carefully examined the effects of Tartar Emetic on the pulse in 25 cases. In 23, the diminution in the number of pulsations observed on the day succeeding the first administration, was 15, 30, 10, 24, 40, 3, 20, 8, 10, 5, 24, 23, 18, 13, 23, 12,10, 15, 10. In two cases only, there was no change in the frequency of the pulse. On the second and third day, the slowness of the pulse was generally more marked. Diaphoresis was observed in 4 cases only out of 55. M. Bonamy, therefore, considers that this is an accidental effect of Tartar Emetic, probably occasioned by the nausea and vomiting, and not by the remote action of the drug. The sedative effect of Tartar Emetic on the nervous powers, he regards as an indirect effect, consequent on the weakening of the circulation. From his numerous observations he concludes, 1, that a tolerance of the remedy is not necessary to its efficient therapeutic action; 2, that, as an antiphlogistic, it is most usefully exhibited in frequent small doses not exceeding the fraction of a grain. The purging which it occasionally induces, may be controlled by the addition of a few drops of T. Opii. If long continued, it occasionally produces irritation of the throat and fauces, and also an aphthous ulceration of the mouth, with a great increase of saliva. Under these circumstances it should be immediately discontinued. By cautiously increasing the dose, a degree of tolerance of the remedy may be established in the system, so that large doses may be given without producing any great sensible effect (See Rheumatism and Pneumonia.) It should be given with extreme caution to young children and infants, an ordinary dose having proved fatal, when given at an early age. When Tartar Emetic is given in small doses, continued through a long period of time, to a healthy person, poisonous effects result. Sickness and watery purging, diaphoresis without febrile excitement, a pustular eruption on the skin or palate, or a red efflorescence on the skin, symptoms of congestion of the lungs, with great weakness and emaciation, and ultimately death, are the results. Externally applied, it is a valuable counter-irritant. (See Ung. Antimonii Tart.) Offic. Prep. 1. Vinum Antimoniale. (See Art. Vin. Antim.) 3. Unguentum Antimonii Tartarati. (See Art. Ung. Antim. Tart.) Dose, gr. 1/6-1/8, alterative; gr. 1/8 - 1/6, diaphoretic and expectorant; gr.1/4 - 1/2, nauseating and sudorific; gr. i. - iv., emetic.

* He Febribus, Cap. iii. Brit. and For. Med. Chir. Rev., Jan. 1851.

Etudes sur le Tartre Stibie", Paris, 1848 (R).

Incompatible*. Acids; Alkalies, and their Carbonates; the Earths; Hydro-sulphurets; some of the Metals and their Oxides; Lime-water; Chloride of Calcium; Salts of Lead; vegetable infusions containing tannic and gallic acids. Cinchona decomposes it, but does not destroy its activity.