Syn. Nitre.

This has already been considered among the arterial sedatives, and diuretics (II. 83 and 619). it certainly has, under ordinary circumstances, a much greater tendency to act on the kidneys than the skin; but, when given with more decided diaphoretics, or when conjoined with warm drinks, and the external application of warmth, it sometimes acts with considerable energy in promoting perspiration. it is almost never given alone for this purpose; but is not unfrequently prescribed in connection with tartar emetic, and occasionally with ipecacuanha and opium. The complaints in which it has been most frequently employed are bilious fever and acute rheumatism. in the former affection, it was at one time much used in the form of the nitrous powders (II. 90); and, in the latter, it is still not unfrequently given, either in the nitrous powders, in solution with tartar emetic, in the Dover's powder as a substitute for sulphate of potassa, or associated with powdered guaiac, ipecacuanha, and opium.* The dose is from five to fifteen grains, which may be repeated every hour or two hours.