AMMONIAE CITRAS Meaning and
Definition
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Ammoniae citras is a term used in pharmacology and medicine to refer to a specific chemical compound. It is an ammonium salt of citric acid, which is commonly used in various pharmaceutical formulations and as an alkalizer to adjust the pH of medications.
The chemical formula for Ammoniae citras is (NH4)3C6H5O7, revealing that it is composed of three ammonium ions bonded to one molecule of citric acid. This compound is a white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, making it easy to dissolve and incorporate into liquid medications.
Ammoniae citras is primarily used in pharmaceutical preparations as a buffering agent. By adjusting the pH of a formulation, it helps maintain the stability of certain drugs and ensures optimal efficacy. It is commonly found in cough syrups, expectorants, and other respiratory medications to provide relief from symptoms related to colds, coughs, and congestion.
Furthermore, Ammoniae citras can act as an alkalizer, specifically in urinary alkalization. It increases the pH of urine, making it less acidic. This property makes it useful in treating certain urinary tract infections and kidney stones by reducing the acidity that can contribute to the formation of these conditions.
It is important to note that Ammoniae citras should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as dosage and application may vary depending on the specific medical condition being treated.
Etymology of AMMONIAE CITRAS
The word "Ammoniae citras" is a term used in the field of chemistry and refers to a compound called ammonium citrate.
Etymologically, "ammoniae" is derived from the Latin word "ammonia", which originated from the Greek word "ammoniakon" meaning "salt of Ammon". Ammon was an ancient Egyptian deity often depicted with ram's horns, and there was a temple dedicated to him in the Libyan desert, near modern-day Siwa Oasis. The temple complex was associated with the god Amun, who had a connection with the ram.
The term "ammonia" was used in alchemy to describe the characteristic ammoniacal odor of the substance. As for "citras", it is derived from the Latin word "citrus", meaning "citron" or "lemon", which traces back to the Greek word "kedros".
