Potassium Permanganate

Uses and Administration

Potassium permanganate possesses oxidising properties which in turn confer disinfectant and deodorising properties. It is also astringent. Though bactericidal in vitro its clinical value as a bactericide is minimised by its rapid reduction in the presence of body fluids.

Solutions are used as cleansing applications to wounds, ulcers, or abscesses and as wet dressings and in baths in eczematous conditions and acute dermatoses especially where there is secondary infection. It is often prepared as a concentrated 0.1% solution in water to be diluted 1 in 10 before use to provide a 0.01% (1 in 10 000) solution. Solutions have also been used in bromhidrosis, in mycotic infections such as athlete's foot, and in poison ivy dermatitis.

Potassium permanganate is added to formaldehyde solution to produce formaldehyde vapour for the disinfection of rooms and cabinets (see Refer to ).

(last reviewed 2010-07-21; last modified 2006-02-08)

Adverse Effects, Treatment and Precautions

The dry crystals or concentrated solutions of potassium permanganate are highly corrosive to tissue, while dilute solutions are mildly irritant. Contact with the skin causes irritation, redness, pain and burns, and even dilute solutions cause hardening of the outer layer of the skin and leave a brown stain on the skin. Exposure of the eye to dry crystals (including crystal dust) or concentrated solutions causes irritation, blurred vision, redness, brown staining of the conjunctiva, swelling of the eyelids, and corneal and conjunctival burns. For the effects of ingestion, see Refer to .

The insertion into the vagina of potassium permanganate for its supposed abortifacient action causes corrosive burns, severe vaginal haemorrhage, and perforation of the vaginal wall, leading to peritonitis. Vascular collapse may occur.

(last reviewed 2010-07-21; last modified 2006-03-04)

Handling and storage

Potassium permanganate may be explosive if it is brought into contact with organic or other readily oxidisable substances. It has been used for the illicit preparation of fireworks; care is required with its supply.

(last reviewed 2010-07-21; last modified 2006-02-27)

Poisoning

Ingestion of dilute solutions of potassium permanganate may result in the mouth and throat being stained brown, sore throat, dysphagia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Ingestion of dry crystals and concentrated solutions causes oedema and necrosis of the mouth, larynx, gastrointestinal tract, and upper respiratory tract. In severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, coagulopathy, hypotension, methaemoglobinaemia, hepatic necrosis, pancreatitis, and acute renal failure may develop. Oesophageal strictures and pyloric stenosis are possible long-term consequences. The fatal dose is probably about 10 g and death is usually as a result of pharyngeal oedema and cardiovascular collapse, although multiple organ failure may occur. Inhalation of potassium permanganate causes sore throat, coughing, and shortness of breath. Chronic ingestion or inhalation of potassium permanganate has resulted in CNS symptoms such as sluggishness, sleepiness, weakness of the legs, tremor, spastic gait, and falling.

Symptoms of poisoning after ingestion of potassium permanganate should be treated symptomatically. Gut neutralisation and emesis are contra-indicated. Dilution with large quantities of water or milk is cautiously recommended, while the role of activated charcoal is unclear as it is unknown whether it binds potassium permanganate. Similarly, the role of corticosteroids is controversial and the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine for potassium permanganate hepatotoxicity is unproven. Eyes and skin contaminated with potassium permanganate should be thoroughly washed.

(last reviewed 2010-07-21; last modified 2010-07-01)

Preparations: Single-Ingredient

The following preparations list represents a compilation of all available salt forms or related substances for this drug product.

The symbol ¤ denotes a preparation which is discontinued or no longer actively marketed.

BRAZIL: Permaton¤;SINGAPORE: Permasol;SPAIN: Permantasico¤;TURKEY: Permasol¤;UNITED KINGDOM: EN-Potab; Permitabs;

Therapeutic Use

• Disinfectants and Preservatives

Last Updated 1/21/20