USES: An irrational method of administering potassium iodide, as none of the drug is absorbed through the skin. =Potassi Nitras (Pot. Nitras), Potassium Nitrate, U.S.P.= (Saltpetre).--KNO{3}. Transparent crystals or white powder, odorless and having a cooling saline taste. Freely soluble in water (1:2.8) and slightly soluble in alcohol (1:620). ACTION AND USES: Diuretic, irritant to kidneys and intestines; has largely gone out of use. DOSAGE: 0.5 Gm. or 8 grains (U.S.P.). _Charta Potassii Nitratis (Chart. Pot. Nit.), Potassium Nitrate Paper, N.F._--Paper impregnated with potassium nitrate. USES: The smoke is inhaled in asthma, but is not very effective. =*Potassii Permanganas (Pot. Permang.), Potassium Permanganate, U.S.P.=--KMnO{4}. Slender, dark purple odorless crystals, with a taste (in solution) at first sweet, afterward disagreeable and astringent. Soluble in water (1:13.5), forming violet-red to rose-colored solutions which stain the fingers and clothes. Decomposed by alcohol and glycerin. Should not be brought into contact with organic or other readily oxidizable substances. ACTION AND USES: Effective deodorant, disinfectant and astringent. Internally as emmenagogue, probably useless. DOSAGE: 0.06 Gm. or 1 grain (U.S.P.), usually in pills. For application to the skin, 1:500 solution. =Potassii Sulphas (Pot. Sulph.), Potassium Sulphate, N.F.=--K{2}SO{4}. Colorless crystals or white powder, odorless and having a saline, somewhat bitter taste. Freely soluble in water (1:10) and insoluble in alcohol. ACTION AND USES: Saline purgative closely resembling sodium sulphate in its action, but without advantage over the latter. DOSAGE: 1 Gm. or 15 grains (N.F.). =Prunum (Prunum), Prune, N.F.= ACTION AND USES: One of the ingredients in confection of senna but seldom used in medicine apart from this. =*Prunus Virginiana (Prun. Virg.), Wild Cherry, U.S.P.= (Wild Black Cherry Bark). ACTION AND USES: Sedative expectorant, mainly used as flavor. DOSAGE: 2 Gm. or 30 grains (U.S.P.). _Fluidextractum Pruni Virginianae (Fldext. Prun. Virg.), Fluidextract of Wild Cherry, N.F._--Wild cherry (100%). Absolute alcohol content about 20 per cent. DOSAGE: 2 Cc. or 30 minims (N.F.). _Infusum Pruni Virginianae (Inf. Prun. Virg.), Infusion of Wild Cherry, N.F._--Wild cherry (4%), in glycerin and water. DOSAGE: 60 Cc. or 2 fluidounces (N.F.). _*Syrupus Pruni Virginianae (Syr. Prun. Virg.), Syrup of Wild Cherry, U.S.P._--Wild cherry bark (15%), in glycerin and syrup. DOSAGE: 4 Cc. or 1 fluidrachm (U.S.P.). _Vinum Pruni Virginianae (Vin. Prun. Virg.), Wine of Wild Cherry, N.F._--Wild cherry (25%) in water, alcohol, sugar and sherry wine. Absolute alcohol content about 23 per cent. DOSAGE: 4 Cc. or 1 fluidrachm (N.F.).