Part 18

AQUA AMMONIAE--AMMONIA WATER

An aqueous solution containing ten per cent by weight of ammonia gas.

DERIVATION.--Same as strong ammonia water.

PROPERTIES.--The taste is not so caustic and the odor is less pungent then the stronger water of ammonia.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 10 to 20 m. Should be diluted one drachm to half pint of water.

SPIRITUS AMMONIAE--SPIRIT OF AMMONIA

An alcoholic solution containing ten per cent., by weight of the ammonia gas.

DERIVATION.--A solution of caustic ammonia in alcohol.

PROPERTIES.--A colorless liquid, having a strong odor of ammonia. This preparation of ammonia possesses properties of ammonia and alcohol.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 drs.; dogs, 10 to 20 m. Should be diluted in water.

SPIRITUS AMMONIAE AROMATICUS--AROMATIC SPIRIT OF AMMONIA

DERIVATION.--Ammonium carbonate 3.4%, aqua ammonia 9%, oil of lemon 1%, oil of lavender flowers 0.1%, oil of nutmeg 0.1%, alcohol 70%, and distilled water to make 100 parts. Diluted in water.

PROPERTIES.--A nearly colorless liquid when first prepared, but gradually acquires an amber color. It has a pungent ammoniacal odor and taste.

ACTIONS.--These four proportions of ammonia are gastric and general stimulants. They stimulate the cardiac respiratory and spinal systems. They irritate the nose when inhaled, but reflexly they stimulate the circulation and respiration, they are good stimulants as they do not affect the brain. The aromatic spirits of ammonia is also a carminative. Externally they are rubefacients, and when confined are vesicants.

USES.--Its antacid and stimulant properties recommend ammonia in indigestion, tympanites, and spasmodic colic, especially in cattle and sheep. Stimulating the spinals and respiratory systems, it is valuable in the treatment of influenza, pneumonia, pleurisy and similar complaints. The fumes of ammonia are occasionally used to arouse animals from shocks, collapse, or chloroform intoxication, but must be used cautiously, lest excessive irritation of the respiratory mucous membrane be produced. It is a promptly acting antidote in poisoning by opium, aconite, digitalis, and ether narcotic and sedative drugs. It may be administered much diluted in the usual way, injected subcutaneously and intravenously, and also applied externally, in the treatment of snake-bites. On account of its producing bronchial secretion, and assisting in its expulsion, ammonia is serviceable as a stimulating expectorant. To develop its more general effects its alcoholic proportions should be prescribed as spirit of ammonia or the aromatic spirit of ammonia. Externally used in the form of liniment of ammonia, with oils, camphor, etc., proves useful as a stimulant in rheumatism, stiff-joints, muscular strains, sore throat, pleurisy, pneumonia and influenza, and for preventing the rapid chilling of fomented surfaces. It relieves the irritation caused by nettles, and by bites and stings of insects.

LINIMENTUM AMMONIAE--AMMONIA LINIMENT

Is made by mixing ammonia water, 350; cottonseed oil, 570; alcohol, 50; oleic acid, 30. The above is recognized by the U. S. P. and is advantageously used on muscular strains and where an external stimulant is indicated.

LIQUOR AMMONII ACETATIS--SOLUTION OF AMMONIUM ACETATE

An aqueous solution of ammonium acetate containing about seven per cent of the salt, together with small amounts of acetic acid and carbon dioxide.

DERIVATION.--Ammonium carbonate is gradually added to cold, dilute acetic acid until the latter is materialized.

PROPERTIES.--A clear, colorless liquid, mildly saline and acidulous taste, and an acid reaction.

Incompatible with acids and alkalies.

DOSE.--Horses and cattle, 2 to 4 oz.; sheep and pigs, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; dogs, 2 to 6 drs.

ACTIONS.--Diaphoretic, antipyretic, mild stimulant, mild diuretic, mild expectorant and stomachic.

USES.--Its uses are recommended in febrile and inflammatory attacks, especially in influenza, distemper, etc., combined with other medicines, improves the appetite; can be used externally as a refrigerant over swollen and inflamed tendons.

AMMONII CARBONAS--AMMONIUM CARBONATE

DERIVATION.--A mixture of ammonium chloride or sulphate, and calcium carbonate, is sublimed and resublimed. Ammonium carbonate, so-called, is a mixture of ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate.

PROPERTIES.--White translucent masses, having a strongly ammoniacal odor, and a sharp saline taste. On exposure to air it loses both ammonia and carbonic dioxide, soluble one part in four parts of water.