NOVO FER

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.

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 25-36% 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.

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.

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.

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.

in aqueous solutions completely dissociates into K+ and OH.

Because of the neutralization of

• 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.

in aqueous solution is entirely dissociated into K+ and OH.

Due to the neutralization of

• 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.

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No studies are currently identified regarding the reproduction/developmental toxicity of potassium hydroxide 14.

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.

Hydroxide can irritate the lungs.

Repeated exposure may cause bronchitis to develop with coughing, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath 9.

Uses Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen If pregnant or breast-feeding ask a health professional before use Keep out of reach of children.

Directions best if used in the morning and just before bed use 5 days per week until symptoms are relieved adults and children 12 years and over 4-5 sprays in mouth twice per day children 2 years to under 12 years 2-3 sprays in mouth twice per day children under 2 years consult a doctor.

Information do not use if plastic seal around cap is broken or missing. store in a cool, dry place.