The Effect of Salicylates on the Electrolyte Structure of the Blood Plasma. Ii. the Action of Therapeutic Doses of Sodium Salicylate and of Acetylsalicylic Acid in Man.

While hyperpnea and reduction of the CO2 content of the blood are generally recognized findings of salicylate intoxication, little is known concerning the effect of therapeutic doses of salicylates. The prevailing impression (1) appears to be that such doses have no effect on the respiration. Investigations dealing with this question in experiments of a few hours duration showed small decreases of the CO2 tension after single doses of salicylate (2, 3). As part of an inquiry into the physiologic actions of salicylates, a study was undertaken on the changes in the electrolyte equilibrium of the blood of patients receiving therapeutic doses of salicylates.