Eng., Potassium and Sodium Tartrate. Synonym, Rochelle Salt.

Form

White powder.

Odor And Taste

Odorless. A cooling saline taste.

Solubility

In 0.9 part of water. Insoluble in alcohol.

Average Dose

2l/2 drachms (10 Gm.).

Pulvis Effervescens Compositus

Eng., Compound Effervescing Powder, Seidlitz Powder. These are prepared in sets of one blue and one white paper. Each blue paper contains Potassium and Sodium Tartrate, 7.5 Gm. (120 grains); Sodium Bicarbonate, 2.5 Gm. (40 grains). Each white paper contains Tartaric Acid, 2.15 Gm. (35 grains).

Average Dose

1 set of two powders.

Therapeutic Action

Purgative (saline and hydragogue).

Uses

Potassium and sodium tartrate, usually in the form of Seidlitz powder, is a popular and pleasant purgative.

Administration

Care should be exercised in ordering (particularly by phone) potassium and sodium tartrate, to prevent confusion with antimony and potassium tartrate (tartar emetic). Rochelle Salt is most frequently employed in the form of Seidlitz powders, which constitute one of the most agreeable saline purgatives. The two powders of a Seidlitz powder are dissolved in separate glasses about a fourth full of water; then the contents of the glasses are mixed and swallowed while still effervescing. It is best taken before breakfast.

Liquor Potassii Arsenitis

See Arsenum, p. 75.