Potassae Nitras.

Botanical name: 

Related entries: Potassae Nitras under diaphoretics - Potassae Nitras under diuretics

Dose.—Grains v. to xv., every two or three hours.

The nitrate of potash, elsewhere described (see Diuretics), is diuretic, refrigerant, sedative, antiseptic, detergent, diaphoretic, antiphlogistic. As a sedative or contra-stimulant, the nitrate of potash is of great value.

It is used in febrile and inflammatory diseases as a sedative or antiphlogtisic, and also to promote certain secretions, with great advantage. In diseases of a sthenic character, or when there is a phlogistic diathesis, the nitrate of potash, associated with mucilaginous agents—ipecacuanha, opium, camphor, etc. according to the indication to be fulfilled, is capable of doing much good by reducing vascular activity, and promoting secretion.


The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.