(Spirit of Mindererus.)

Origin. - An aqueous solution of ammonium acetate, containing about 7 per cent. of the salt, together with small amounts of acetic and carbonic acids.

Description and Properties. - A clear, colorless liquid free from empyreuma, of a mildly saline, acidulous taste and an acid reaction. This preparation when required should be freshly made.

Dose. - 1/2-1 fluidounce (15.0-30.0 Cc), in sweetened water.

Official Preparation

Liquor Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis - Liquoris Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis - Solution of Iron and Ammonium Acetate (Basham's Mixture). - Described under Preparations of Iron.

Antagonists and Incompatibles. - The metallic sulphates, the salts of lead and silver, lime-water, the carbonates of potassium and sodium, and acids.

Synergists. - Spirit of nitrous ether, potassium citrate, and many of the refrigerants and diaphoretics.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Solution of ammonium acetate is both a mild diaphoretic and diuretic, according as the action is governed by other more powerful agents. For instance, if the skin is warm and the cutaneous blood-vessels dilated, the preparation acts as a diaphoretic, while if the condition of the skin is the reverse, the action of the drug is directed to the kidneys. Should the preparation be given with aconite or spirit of nitrous ether, its action would be that of a diaphoretic, but if the drug were associated with digitalis or squill, it would act as a diuretic. In any case the action of the drug is due to a stimulation of the secretory cells or nerves.

The principal medical use of solution of ammonium acetate is as a diaphoretic in febrile conditions, such as acute coryza, influenza, acute pharyngitis, etc. It is a very efficient remedy in muscular rheumatism, and in the eruptive fevers when the eruption is retarded. It is frequently associated with other remedies in the treatment of scarlatinous dropsy.

Owing to its property of stimulating the heart and circulation, the remedy has been recommended in low forms of fever, in the belief that it helps to sustain the powers of life, in lowering the pulse and temperature, moistening the tongue, and quieting the delirium.

In migraine and in alcoholic intoxication few remedies are so successful, the drug frequently dissipating the effects of acute alcoholism at once.

The remedy has been found efficacious in dysmenorrhea and menorrliagia, and has been employed externally and locally as a discutient in mammary engorgements, glandular swellings, contusions, incipient abscesses, etc.

Administration. - The preparation, as has been said, should be freshly made when wanted, and should be administered well diluted with sweetened water.