Materia medica, pharmacy, pharmacology and therapeutics / by W. Hale White.

  • Hale-White, William, Sir, 1857-1949.
Date:
1903
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Materia medica, pharmacy, pharmacology and therapeutics / by W. Hale White. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

    132/710 (page 122)
    Action of Potash. External.—It is, if concentrated, a powerful irritant and caustic, acting by abstracting water from the part to which it is apphed. It dissolves fatty matters that may be present on the surface. It is antacid, and, if freely diluted, sedative. Internal.—Mouth.—-Alkalies have a soapy taste, and if sufficiently concentrated irritate the mouth, making the mucous membrane red. Stomach.—Alkalies in medicinal doses only in- hibit gastric secretion. The effect of large doses is described under the heading of toxicology (see p. 135). If they are given after a meal the gastric juice already secreted is neutralized. Being readily diffusible alkalies are quickly absorbed. Intestine.—Alkalies lead to a diminution of pancreatic secretion, as they neutralize the acid gastric juice which excites pancreatic secretion. Blood.—This is rendered more alkaline. Probably all alkaUes circulate in the blood as carbonates, but their action as alkalizers of the blood is very tran- sitory, for they are quickly excreted. The amount of haemoglobin, if it is deficient, is said to be increased. The continual use of alkalies diminishes the quantity of fat. Heart.—Very large amounts of potassium salts are depressant to all muscular tissues, and therefore decrease the force of the heart, ultimately causing diastolic arrest by direct action on the cardiac muscle. Kidneys.—Potassium salts are diuretic, acting directly on the renal epithelium. They are quickly excreted in the urine, rendering it alkaline, and thus increasing its power of holding uric acid in solution. Bespiratorypassages.—The bronchial secretion is generally increased in quantity, and it is rendered less viscid, but with some cases of bronchitis it is diminished.