Identification
- Summary
Potassium hydroxide is a disinfectant used to clean hands, skin, and surfaces.
- Generic Name
- Potassium hydroxide
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB11153
- Background
Potassium hydroxide, also known as lye is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KOH. Also commonly referred to as caustic potash, it is a potent base that is marketed in several forms including pellets, flakes, and powders. It is used in various chemical, industrial and manufacturing applications. Potassium hydroxide is also a precursor to other potassium compounds. Potassium hydroxide is used in food to adjust pH, as a stabilizer, and as a thickening agent.6,10 This ingredient has been considered as generally safe as a direct human food ingredient by the FDA, based upon the observance of several good manufacturing practice conditions of use.4
In addition to the above uses, potassium hydroxide is also used in making soap, as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries and in electroplating, lithography, and paint and varnish removers. Liquid drain cleaners contain 25 to 36% of potassium hydroxide 6.
Medically, potassium hydroxide (KOH) is widely used in the wet mount preparation of various clinical specimens for microscopic visualization of fungi and fungal elements in skin, hair, nails, and even vaginal secretions 1, 6.
Recently, it has been studied for efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of warts. It was determined that topical KOH solution was found to be a safe and effective treatment of plane warts 2.
- Type
- Small Molecule
- Groups
- Approved
- Structure
Structure for Potassium hydroxide (DB11153)
- Weight
- Average: 56.1056
Monoisotopic: 55.966446515 - Chemical Formula
- HKO
- Synonyms
- Ätzkali
- hydroxyde de potassium
- Kaliumhydroxid
- potash lye
- potasio hidróxido
- potasse caustique
- Potassium hydroxide
- External IDs
- E-525
- INS NO.525
- INS-525
Pharmacology
- Indication
Medically, the microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations is utilized in the diagnosis of fungal hyphae or trichomonads 9.
Samples from hair, skin, or nail tissue are obtained by scraping with a scalpel, cotton-tipped applicator and are inoculated directly onto the KOH solution 9.
In addition to the above, potassium hydroxide is used as a softener for nail grooves 8.
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Indication Type Indication Combined Product Details Approval Level Age Group Patient Characteristics Dose Form Treatment of Low potassium •••••••••••• ••••••••• - Associated Therapies
- Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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The corrosiveness of potassium hydroxide renders it a very useful agent in the decomposition/removal soft tissue and hair removal. It is incorporated into some nail products, shaving creams, and soaps 13.
- Mechanism of action
The exact mechanism of action of KOH is not known but the speculated one is that topical application of KOH digests keratin, and induces inflammation 7.
The mechanism of skin injury by alkali substances such as potassium hydroxide is by the saponification of fat, causing fatty tissue to lose its function with increased damage due to a heat reaction. Extraction of water from cells occurs due to the hygroscopic (absorbent) nature of alkali. Dissolution of proteins also occurs, allowing for deeper penetration of OH- ions and resulting in various chemical reactions 14.
The alkali penetrates the skin quickly, saponifies plasma membranes, denatures collagen proteins, and leads to vascular thromboses in the conjunctiva and other parts of the eye. The resulting corneal burns include scarring and opacification of the cornea with resulting in vision loss, corneal neovascularization, ulcer formation, and perforation. Other consequences of untreated or very severe alkali burns include epithelial erosions, secondary glaucoma, and causes the destruction of conjunctival mucus cells, causing dry eyes, trichiasis (misdirected eyelash hairs), and other ocular conditions 14.
In the gastrointestinal tract, after oral ingestion, burns may result. The mechanism of injury is liquefactive necrosis. The thrombosis of gastrointestinal blood vessels also contributes to tissue damage. When the alkali enters the stomach, gastric acid may neutralize the strong base, which can limit the extent of the injury. Perforation of the stomach can sometimes occur with peritonitis and caustic injury to the surrounding organs including the colon, pancreas, liver, and spleen 14.
- Absorption
KOH in aqueous solutions completely dissociates into K+ and OH- ions. Because of the neutralization of OH- by gastric HCl and the rapid blood pH regulation action (buffer capacity of extracellular body fluids, respiratory and renal compensation mechanisms), an alkalosis due to the OH- ions after KOH oral dosage in non-irritating conditions is thus prevented 3.
The uptake of potassium, in potassium hydroxide form, is much less than the oral uptake with therapeutic doses of KCl for treating potassium deficiency, of up to 10 g/day. Furthermore, the oral uptake of potassium from food/natural sources or from food additives is likely to be also much higher 3.
- Volume of distribution
Not Available
- Protein binding
Not Available
- Metabolism
KOH in aqueous solution is entirely dissociated into K+ and OH- ions. Due to the neutralization of OH- by gastric HCl and the quick and efficient blood pH regulation mechanisms (buffer capacity of extra cellular body fluids, respiratory and renal compensation mechanisms), an alkalosis due to the OH- ions after KOH oral dosage in non-irritating conditions is prevented 14.
- Route of elimination
Not Available
- Half-life
Not Available
- Clearance
Not Available
- Adverse Effects
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No studies are currently identified regarding the reproduction/developmental toxicity of potassium hydroxide 14.
The Ld50 of potassium hydroxide in rats ranges from 0.273 - 1.230 g KOH/kg body weight/day 3.
Adverse effects include vomiting, diarrhea, skin blistering, gastrointestinal disturbance, and burns 5.
Strong alkaline chemicals such as potassium hydroxide destroy soft tissues may cause a deep, penetrating type of burn. Caustics are usually hydroxides of light metals. Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are the most broadly used caustic agents in the industry 11.
Potassium Hydroxide can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposure may cause bronchitis to develop with coughing, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath 9.
- Pathways
- Not Available
- Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
- Not Available
Interactions
- Drug Interactions
- This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Drug Interaction Integrate drug-drug
interactions in your softwareAcebutolol Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acebutolol. Aceclofenac Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Aceclofenac. Acemetacin Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acemetacin. Acetylsalicylic acid Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acetylsalicylic acid. Alclofenac Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Alclofenac. - Food Interactions
- No interactions found.
Products
Drug product information from 10+ global regionsOur datasets provide approved product information including:dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.- Active Moieties
Name Kind UNII CAS InChI Key Potassium cation ionic 295O53K152 24203-36-9 NPYPAHLBTDXSSS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydroxide ion ionic 9159UV381P 14280-30-9 XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-M - Brand Name Prescription Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Potassium Hydroxide Liquid .05 g/1g Topical Gordon Laboratories 2010-07-16 Not applicable US 
- Over the Counter Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image MIRACLE WATER 3 in 1 Spray 0.3 mg/1mL Topical ORIGIN G&B CO.,LTD 2020-07-16 Not applicable US OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Kunshan Nano Environmental Protection Technology CO. LTD. 2020-05-21 2020-06-03 US OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch 2020-05-15 2020-05-20 US OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch 2020-05-21 Not applicable US OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch 2016-09-26 Not applicable US - Mixture Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image AMINOMIX Potassium hydroxide (1.981 g/100ml) + Acetic acid (4.5 g/1000ml) + Alanine (7 g/1000ml) + Arginine (6 g/1000ml) + Calcium chloride dihydrate (0.294 g/100ml) + Dextrose, unspecified form (200 g/100ml) + Glycine (5.5 g/1000ml) + Histidine (1.5 g/1000ml) + Hydrochloric acid (1.47 ml) + Isoleucine (2.5 g/1000ml) + Leucine (3.7 g/1000ml) + Lysine (3.3 g/1000ml) + Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (0.61 g/100ml) + Methionine (2.15 g/1000ml) + Phenylalanine (2.55 g/1000ml) + Potassium cation (30 mmol/l) + Proline (5.6 g/1000ml) + Serine (3.25 g/1000ml) + Sodium cation (50 mmol/l) + Sodium chloride (1.169 g/100ml) + Sodium glycerophosphate hydrate (4.59 g/1000ml) + Taurine (0.5 g/1000ml) + Threonine (2.2 g/1000ml) + Tryptophan (1 g/1000ml) + Tyrosine (0.2 g/1000ml) + Valine (3.1 g/1000ml) + Zinc chloride (0.00545 g/100ml) Injection, solution Intravenous Fresenius Kabi Italia S.R.L. 2014-07-08 Not applicable Italy 
AMINOMIX Potassium hydroxide (1.981 g/100ml) + Acetic acid (4.5 g/1000ml) + Alanine (7 g/1000ml) + Arginine (6 g/1000ml) + Calcium chloride dihydrate (0.294 g/100ml) + Dextrose, unspecified form (120 g/100ml) + Glycine (5.5 g/1000ml) + Histidine (1.5 g/1000ml) + Hydrochloric acid (1.47 ml) + Isoleucine (2.5 g/1000ml) + Leucine (3.7 g/1000ml) + Lysine (3.3 g/1000ml) + Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (0.61 g/100ml) + Methionine (2.15 g/1000ml) + Phenylalanine (2.55 g/1000ml) + Potassium cation (30 mmol/l) + Proline (5.6 g/1000ml) + Serine (3.25 g/1000ml) + Sodium cation (50 mmol/l) + Sodium chloride (1.169 g/100ml) + Sodium glycerophosphate hydrate (4.59 g/1000ml) + Taurine (0.5 g/1000ml) + Threonine (2.2 g/1000ml) + Tryptophan (1 g/1000ml) + Tyrosine (0.2 g/1000ml) + Valine (3.1 g/1000ml) + Zinc chloride (0.00545 g/100ml) Injection, solution Intravenous Fresenius Kabi Italia S.R.L. 2014-07-08 Not applicable Italy AMINOMIX Potassium hydroxide (1.981 g/100ml) + Acetic acid (4.5 g/1000ml) + Alanine (7 g/1000ml) + Arginine (6 g/1000ml) + Calcium chloride dihydrate (0.294 g/100ml) + Dextrose, unspecified form (120 g/100ml) + Glycine (5.5 g/1000ml) + Histidine (1.5 g/1000ml) + Hydrochloric acid (1.47 ml) + Isoleucine (2.5 g/1000ml) + Leucine (3.7 g/1000ml) + Lysine (3.3 g/1000ml) + Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (0.61 g/100ml) + Methionine (2.15 g/1000ml) + Phenylalanine (2.55 g/1000ml) + Potassium cation (30 mmol/l) + Proline (5.6 g/1000ml) + Serine (3.25 g/1000ml) + Sodium cation (50 mmol/l) + Sodium chloride (1.169 g/100ml) + Sodium glycerophosphate hydrate (4.59 g/1000ml) + Taurine (0.5 g/1000ml) + Threonine (2.2 g/1000ml) + Tryptophan (1 g/1000ml) + Tyrosine (0.2 g/1000ml) + Valine (3.1 g/1000ml) + Zinc chloride (0.00545 g/100ml) Injection, solution Intravenous Fresenius Kabi Italia S.R.L. 2014-07-08 Not applicable Italy AMINOMIX Potassium hydroxide (1.981 g/100ml) + Acetic acid (4.5 g/1000ml) + Alanine (7 g/1000ml) + Arginine (6 g/1000ml) + Calcium chloride dihydrate (0.294 g/100ml) + Dextrose, unspecified form (200 g/100ml) + Glycine (5.5 g/1000ml) + Histidine (1.5 g/1000ml) + Hydrochloric acid (1.47 ml) + Isoleucine (2.5 g/1000ml) + Leucine (3.7 g/1000ml) + Lysine (3.3 g/1000ml) + Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (0.61 g/100ml) + Methionine (2.15 g/1000ml) + Phenylalanine (2.55 g/1000ml) + Potassium cation (30 mmol/l) + Proline (5.6 g/1000ml) + Serine (3.25 g/1000ml) + Sodium cation (50 mmol/l) + Sodium chloride (1.169 g/100ml) + Sodium glycerophosphate hydrate (4.59 g/1000ml) + Taurine (0.5 g/1000ml) + Threonine (2.2 g/1000ml) + Tryptophan (1 g/1000ml) + Tyrosine (0.2 g/1000ml) + Valine (3.1 g/1000ml) + Zinc chloride (0.00545 g/100ml) Injection, solution Intravenous Fresenius Kabi Italia S.R.L. 2014-07-08 Not applicable Italy AMINOMIX Potassium hydroxide (1.981 g/100ml) + Acetic acid (4.5 g/1000ml) + Alanine (7 g/1000ml) + Arginine (6 g/1000ml) + Calcium chloride dihydrate (0.294 g/100ml) + Dextrose, unspecified form (120 g/100ml) + Glycine (5.5 g/1000ml) + Histidine (1.5 g/1000ml) + Hydrochloric acid (1.47 ml) + Isoleucine (2.5 g/1000ml) + Leucine (3.7 g/1000ml) + Lysine (3.3 g/1000ml) + Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (0.61 g/100ml) + Methionine (2.15 g/1000ml) + Phenylalanine (2.55 g/1000ml) + Potassium cation (30 mmol/l) + Proline (5.6 g/1000ml) + Serine (3.25 g/1000ml) + Sodium cation (50 mmol/l) + Sodium chloride (1.169 g/100ml) + Sodium glycerophosphate hydrate (4.59 g/1000ml) + Taurine (0.5 g/1000ml) + Threonine (2.2 g/1000ml) + Tryptophan (1 g/1000ml) + Tyrosine (0.2 g/1000ml) + Valine (3.1 g/1000ml) + Zinc chloride (0.00545 g/100ml) Injection, solution Intravenous Fresenius Kabi Italia S.R.L. 2014-07-08 Not applicable Italy - Unapproved/Other Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image MIRACLE WATER 3 in 1 Potassium hydroxide (0.3 mg/1mL) Spray Topical ORIGIN G&B CO.,LTD 2020-07-16 Not applicable US OHTrust Nano Ion Water Potassium hydroxide (0.1 g/100mL) + Hydroxide ion (0.5 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Kunshan Nano Environmental Protection Technology CO. LTD. 2020-09-03 Not applicable US OHTrust Nano Ion Water Potassium hydroxide (0.2 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch 2020-05-21 Not applicable US OHTrust Nano Ion Water Potassium hydroxide (0.2 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch 2016-09-26 Not applicable US OHTrust Nano Ion Water Potassium hydroxide (0.2 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch 2020-05-20 Not applicable US
Categories
- Drug Categories
- Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
- Description
- This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as alkali metal hydroxides. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest oxoanion is hydroxide, and in which the heaviest atom not in an oxoanion is an alkali metal.
- Kingdom
- Inorganic compounds
- Super Class
- Mixed metal/non-metal compounds
- Class
- Alkali metal oxoanionic compounds
- Sub Class
- Alkali metal hydroxides
- Direct Parent
- Alkali metal hydroxides
- Alternative Parents
- Inorganic salts / Inorganic oxides / Inorganic hydrides
- Substituents
- Alkali metal hydroxide / Inorganic hydride / Inorganic oxide / Inorganic salt
- Molecular Framework
- Not Available
- External Descriptors
- alkali metal hydroxide (CHEBI:32035)
- Affected organisms
- Not Available
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- WZH3C48M4T
- CAS number
- 1310-58-3
- InChI Key
- KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M
- InChI
- InChI=1S/K.H2O/h;1H2/q+1;/p-1
- IUPAC Name
- potassium hydroxide
- SMILES
- [OH-].[K+]
References
- General References
- Parija SC, Shivaprakash MR: Evaluation of potassium hydroxide for wet mount preparation of stool for detection of intestinal parasites. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2001 Nov;41(3):127-30. [Article]
- Evaluation of Topical Potassium Hydroxide Solution for Treatment of Plane Warts [Link]
- Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
- FDA document, potassium hydroxide [Link]
- Potassium [Link]
- NJ Gov Document, Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
- Comparison of 5% potassium hydroxide with 10% potassium hydroxide solution in treatment of molluscum contagiosum: A comparative study [Link]
- Potassium Hydroxide Liquid [Link]
- Potassium hydroxide overview [Link]
- Overview of KOH [Link]
- NIH MeSH search, Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
- ECHA information page, Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
- Potassium Hydroxide- Continental Chemical [Link]
- InCHEM, Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
- External Links
- KEGG Drug
- D01168
- KEGG Compound
- C12568
- PubChem Compound
- 14797
- PubChem Substance
- 347827922
- ChemSpider
- 14113
- 34311
- ChEBI
- 32035
- ChEMBL
- CHEMBL2103983
- Wikipedia
- Potassium_hydroxide
- MSDS
- Download (76.7 KB)
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials
Phase Status Purpose Conditions Count 3 Not Yet Recruiting Treatment Plantar Warts 1 1 Completed Treatment Molluscum Contagiosum 2 1 Completed Treatment Plan Warts 1
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
- Not Available
- Packagers
- Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Injection Intravenous Spray Topical 0.3 mg/1mL Injection, solution Intravenous Solution Parenteral Injection, solution Liquid Topical 0.2 g/100mL Liquid Topical .05 g/1g Liquid Topical Solution Intravenous - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
- Not Available
Properties
- State
- Solid
- Experimental Properties
Property Value Source melting point (°C) 405 MSDS boiling point (°C) 1,320 MSDS water solubility Soluble MSDS - Predicted Properties
Property Value Source logP 0.2 Chemaxon pKa (Strongest Acidic) 3.09 Chemaxon Physiological Charge 1 Chemaxon Hydrogen Acceptor Count 0 Chemaxon Hydrogen Donor Count 0 Chemaxon Polar Surface Area 0 Å2 Chemaxon Rotatable Bond Count 0 Chemaxon Refractivity 0 m3·mol-1 Chemaxon Polarizability 1.78 Å3 Chemaxon Number of Rings 0 Chemaxon Bioavailability 1 Chemaxon Rule of Five Yes Chemaxon Ghose Filter No Chemaxon Veber's Rule Yes Chemaxon MDDR-like Rule No Chemaxon - Predicted ADMET Features
- Not Available
Spectra
- Mass Spec (NIST)
- Not Available
- Spectra
- Not Available
- Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Adduct CCS Value (Å2) Source type Source [M-H]- 108.41609 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019) [M+H]+ 110.1398 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019) [M+Na]+ 116.92734 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at February 21, 2021 18:52