Latin, Antimonii Et Potassii Tartras (Gen., Antimonii Et Potassii Tartratis)

Eng., Antimony and Potassium Tartrate. Synonym, Tartar Emetic.

Form

Colorless crystals or white powder.

Odor And Taste

Odorless and a sweet, afterward disagreeable, metallic taste.

Solubility

In 12 parts water. Insoluble in alcohol.

Incompatibles

Alkalies, lead salts, gallic and tannic acids, etc.

Average Dose

Expectorant, 1/12 grain (0.005 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Antimony and Potassium Tartrate is contained in Compound Syrup of Squill (0.2 per cent.) and in small amount in Compound Mixture of Glycyrrhiza.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

Therapeutic Action

Expectorant, emetic, pustulant.

Uses

Sometimes used in the treatment of coughs, colds, bronchitis, etc.

Toxicology

Poisoning with tartar emetic is rather frequent, particularly among children, as it is a constituent of many ant-poisons. The symptoms are: vomiting, purging, rice-water and bloody stools, abdominal and epigastric pain, muscular cramps, prostration. Treatment.-The stomach should be washed out with a solution of tannic acid and enough of the antidote left in the stomach to act on any remaining poison. An infusion of green tea is frequently employed, as the caffeine content is also desirable. Demulcents, as milk or olive oil, should be given freely. The patient should be kept warm and stimulants used as indicated.

Administration

Antimony and Potassium Tartrate as such is not a popular prescription ingredient. As an emetic it has fallen into disuse with the profession almost altogether. As an expectorant the Compound Syrup of Squill is sometimes used.