Latin, Acidum Hydrochloricum (Gen., Acidi Hydrochlorici)

Eng., Hydrochloric Acid. Synonym, Muriatic Acid.

Form

An aqueous solution, containing not less than 31 per cent. nor more than 33 per cent. of HC1.

Odor And Taste

Pungent odor which disappears on diluting. Intensely acid taste.

Solubility

Miscible in all proportions with water or alcohol.

Incompatibles

Alkaline carbonates, chlorates, permanganates, silver salts, lead salts, tartar emetic, alcohol, ether, carbohydrates, sulphur, etc.

1 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

Official Preparation.

Acidum Hydrochloricum Dilutum (Gen., Acidi Hydrochlorici Diluti)

Eng., Diluted Hydrochloric Acid. Synonym, Diluted Muriatic Acid. An aqueous solution containing not less than 9.5 per cent. nor more than 10.5 per cent. of HC1.

Average Dose

15 minims (1 mil).

Hydrochloric Acid is also contained in some other preparations, as Liquor Acidi Arsenosi and Tinctura Ferri Chloridi.

Therapeutic Action

Aids digestion.

Uses

The diluted acid is extensively used, either alone or in combination, in the treatment of indigestion, where there is a deficiency of normal gastric secretion. Sometimes used in tonic and stomachic preparations.

Administration

The Diluted Hydrochloric Acid is the preparation usually employed. It should be ordered to be taken well diluted and through a tube. The official dose is very often exceeded.

When it is desired to give hydrochloric acid alone, it may be ordered as:

Sig

Fifteen (15) drops in water after meals.

Or:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

In combination with other digestive agents it may be ordered as:

M.

Sig

Two (2) teaspoonfuls in water after meals.

Other pepsin preparations may be used instead of the Liq. Pep-sini Arom. in the above.

In combination as a digestant:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

Or:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.

In a tonic formula:

M.

Sig

Two (2) teaspoonfuls in water after meals.

This constitutes the well-known"Elixir Four Chlorides."