Ammonia Spirit

AMMONIA SPIRIT, Ammonium causticum solutum (more correctly Ammonia Caustica soluta), Liquor Ammonii caustici, aqueous solutions of ammonia (see) of various concentrations. The official preparation is a 10% solution, specific gravity 0.959-0.960, which is a transparent colorless liquid with a sharp, characteristic ammonia odor. For convenience in transportation, it is sold under the name "triple" A. S. (Ammonium causticum solutum triplex) with an ammonia content of 25-27.5%. The pharmacological action of A. S. depends on ammonia. The preparation of A. S. used for internal administration is aromatic ammonia spirits (see). Sufficiently diluted solutions of A. S. are used in various mixtures externally as a local irritant and analgesic for neuralgia, rheumatism and other similar diseases. Strong solutions of A. S., acting like other caustic alkalis, cause blistering of the skin. When mixed with fatty oil, A. S. forms a fairly stable emulsion, so-called volatile ointment (see Ointments). For insect stings, A. S. is used as a neutralizing agent for the acid introduced during the sting. Internally, A. S. is used in very dilute solutions (4-10 drops per glass of water) for alcohol intoxication, pulmonary emphysema, and chlorine poisoning. For fainting states, it is used as a stimulant by inhaling ammonia gas released from A. S., wherein irritation of the nasal mucosa reflexively causes respiratory movements and increases blood pressure (with caution!). For poisoning with A. S.: internally, a 1% solution of citric or tartaric acid, diluted half and half with water, table vinegar, mucilaginous drinks, inhalations of water vapor, physiological solution. The toxic dose is about 5.0 of the official solution, the lethal dose is about 25-30.0.