potassium nitrate

po·tas·si·um ni·trate

sometimes used as a diuretic and diaphoretic; formerly it was included in asthmatic powders containing stramonium leaves.

Synonym(s): niter, saltpeter

potassium

a chemical element, atomic number 19, atomic weight 39.102, symbol K. See Table 6. In combination with other minerals, potassium forms alkaline salts that are important in body processes and play an essential role in maintenance of its acid-base and water balance. All body cells, especially muscle tissue, require a high content of potassium. A proper balance between sodium, calcium and potassium in the blood plasma is necessary for proper cardiac function. Alfalfa meal, molasses and soyabean meal are good sources for herbivores.

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potassium acetate, bicarbonate, bitartrate, citrate, gluconate

electrolyte replenishers, weak diuretics and urinary alkalinizers. Some are also used as expectorants.

potassium arsenite

see fowler's solution.

potassium bromide

used in the treatment of seizures in humans and dogs.

potassium carbonate

used commercially as a fertilizer.

potassium channel

see channel.

potassium chloride

a compound used orally or intravenously as an electrolyte replenisher.

potassium cyanide

may be present in industrial effluents. A potent cause of cyanide poisoning.

potassium deficiency

nutritional deficiency of potassium is very rare. In calves can cause poor growth, anemia and diarrhea. Experimental deficiency in piglets causes also incoordination and cardiac insufficiency.

potassium exchange resins

an oral preparation administered to limit the amount of potassium available for absorption; used in the management of hyperkalemia. See also ion-exchange resin; sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

potassium guaiacolsulfonate

an expectorant.

potassium hydroxide (syn. potassium hydrate)

used commercially as a caustic. In veterinary medicine used mostly for clearing skin scrapings in the diagnosis of ectoparasite infestation.

potassium iodate

used as a constituent of salt blocks and mixes to supplement the diet with iodine. Overdosing will cause iodism.

potassium iodide

an expectorant and antithyroid agent.

potassium nitrate

used commercially as a fertilizer and a meat preservative. Can cause nitrate poisoning or nitrite poisoning in ruminants.

potassium nitrite

a compound sometimes used in place of potassium nitrate. Overdosing causes methemoglobin formation and severe, sometimes fatal hypoxia.

potassium nutritional deficiency

causes poor growth, anemia and diarrhea in pigs and calves. Electrocardiographic changes are also recorded. See also hypokalemia.

potassium oxalate

causes oxalate poisoning.

potassium permanganate

a topical anti-infective, oxidizing agent, and antidote for many poisons. See also permanganate.

potassium phosphate

a cathartic.

potassium pump

see sodium pump.

potassium sodium tartrate

a compound used as a saline cathartic and also in combination with sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid (Seidlitz powders, a cathartic).