ammonium chloride (redirected from sal ammoniac)

ammonium /am·mo·ni·um/ (ah-mo´ne-um) the hypothetical radical, NH4, forming salts analogous to those of the alkaline metals.

---

ammonium carbonate  a mixture of ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) and ammonium carbamate (NH2CO2NH4), used as a stimulant, as in smelling salts, and as an expectorant.

ammonium chloride  a systemic and urinary acidifying agent and diuretic, also used orally as an expectorant.

ammonium lactate  lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide, applied topically in the treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris and xerosis.

---

ammonium [ah-mo´ne-um]

a hypothetical radical, NH₄, forming salts analogous to those of the alkaline metals.

ammonium carbonate a mixture of ammonium compounds used as a liquefying expectorant in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and similar lung disorders. It is sometimes used as a reflex stimulant in “smelling salts” because of the strong ammonia odor it gives off.

ammonium chloride colorless or white crystals, with a cool, salty taste, used as an expectorant because it liquefies bronchial secretions. In the body it is changed to urea and hydrochloric acid, and thus is useful in acidifying the urine and increasing the rate of urine flow. Excessive dosage may produce acidosis.

ammonium lactate lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide, applied topically in the treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris and xerosis.

---

ammonium chloride,

n the chlorine salt of the ammonium ion. It is a popular deliquescent agent (i.e., it attracts and absorbs water from the atmosphere).