Potassium chloride Health Dictionary

Potassium Chloride: From 1 Different Sources


a salt of potassium used to prevent and treat potassium deficiency, especially during treatment with digoxin or anti-arrhythmic drugs. Some irritation in the digestive system may occur. Severe potassium deficiency may be treated by intravenous infusion.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Potassium

A metal which, on account of its great a?nity for other substances, is not found in a pure state in nature. Its salts are widely used in medicine but, as their action depends in general not on their metallic radical but upon the acid with which it is combined, their uses vary greatly and are described elsewhere. All salts of potassium depress the heart’s action as a result of action by the potassium ion.... potassium

Potassium Permanganate

A salt of the metallic element POTASSIUM. It is used as a skin antiseptic (see ANTISEPTICS) and for cleaning wounds; its astringent e?ect is useful in the treatment of DERMATITIS. It should not be taken internally because the compound is poisonous.... potassium permanganate

Ethyl Chloride

A ?ammable, colourless liquid that is extremely volatile, and rapidly produces freezing of a surface when sprayed upon it. Now occasionally used to deaden pain for small and short operations, ethyl chloride was once used as an inhalant general anaesthetic for brief operations, and to induce ANAESTHESIA in patients in whom the anaesthesia is subsequently to be maintained by some other anaesthetic such as nitrous oxide or ether.... ethyl chloride

Sodium Chloride

The chemical name for common salt (see SODIUM).... sodium chloride

Potassium-channel Activators

Drugs that have the ability to dilate ARTERIES and VEINS and are used to relieve pain in ANGINA of the HEART. Nicorandil is the main example.... potassium-channel activators

Benzalkonium Chloride

A widely used preservative in eye drops and products such as cosmetics and mouth washes.... benzalkonium chloride

Potassium Citrate

A substance used to relieve discomfort in mild urinary tract infections by making the urine less acid.... potassium citrate

Acesulfame Potassium

an artificial sweetener (E950) 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is often used in combination with other sweeteners to produce a superior flavour. Not metabolized by the body, it is suitable for use in diabetic foods and can be used in cooking.... acesulfame potassium

Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate

a powerful antiperspirant used in the treatment of conditions associated with excessive sweating (see hyperhidrosis).... aluminium chloride hexahydrate

Potassium-channel Activator

any one of a class of drugs that enhance the movement of potassium ions through the *ion channels in cell membranes. In the case of smooth muscle cells, such as those in the walls of arteries, their sensitivity to the normal stimuli to contract is reduced. The result is relaxation of the muscle fibres and widening of the arteries. Potassium-channel activators are used for improving the blood supply to the heart muscle in angina pectoris. Possible side-effects include headache, flushing, vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. A currently available member of the class is nicorandil.... potassium-channel activator

Trospium Chloride

an *antimuscarinic drug indicated for the treatment of overactivity of the bladder *detrusor muscle with symptoms of urge incontinence, urgency, and frequency. The most common side-effects are dry mouth and constipation.... trospium chloride



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