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

Download 

 Similar Structures

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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Associated Conditions

 Hypokalemia

Associated Therapies

 Skin disinfection

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Pharmacodynamics

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
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Toxicity

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.

 APPROVED

 VET APPROVED

 NUTRACEUTICAL

 ILLICIT

 WITHDRAWN

 INVESTIGATIONAL

 EXPERIMENTAL

 ALL DRUGS
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DRUG INTERACTION
Acebutolol 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 Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acetylsalicylic acid.
acid

Alclofenac Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Alclofenac.

Aliskiren Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Aliskiren.

Amiloride The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Potassium hydroxide is combined
with Amiloride.

Aminophenazone Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Aminophenazone.

Amiodarone Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Amiodarone.

Amlodipine Potassium hydroxide may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Amlodipine.

 Showing 1 to 10 of 177 entries

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Food Interactions

No interactions found.

PRODUCTS
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Active Moieties 

NAME KIND UNII CAS

Potassium cation ionic 295O53K152 24203-36-9 NPYPAHLBTDXSS

Hydroxide ion ionic 9159UV381P 14280-30-9 XLYOFNOQVPJJN

Brand Name Prescription Products

Show   entries

NAME DOSAGE STRENGTH ROUTE LABELLER MARKE

Potassium Hydroxide Liquid .05 g/1g Topical Gordon Laboratories 2010-07-16

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Over the Counter Products

Show   entries
 NAME DOSAGE STRENGTH ROUTE LABELLER

MIRACLE WATER 3 in 1 Spray 0.3 mg/1mL Topical ORIGIN G&B CO.,LTD

OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch

OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch

OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Kunshan Nano Environmental Protection Technology C

OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch

OHTrust Nano Ion Water Liquid 0.2 g/100mL Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayman) Taiwan Branch

Showing 1 to 6 of 6 entries

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Mixture Products

Show   entries

NAME INGREDIENTS DOSAGE ROUTE

Aminomix 1 Novum - Potassium hydroxide (1.981 g/L) + Acetic acid (4.5 g/L) + Alanine (7 Solution Intravenou

Infusionslösung g/L) + Arginine (6 g/L) + Calcium chloride (0.294 g/L) + D-glucose s
monohydrate (220 g/L) + Glycine (5.5 g/L) + Histidine (1.5
g/L) + Hydrochloric acid (1.47 ml/L) + Isoleucine (2.5
g/L) + Leucine (3.7 g/L) + Lysine hydrochloride (4.125
g/L) + Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (0.61
g/L) + Methionine (2.15 g/L) + Phenylalanine (2.55 g/L) + Proline (5.6
g/L) + Serine (3.25 g/L) + Sodium chloride (1.169 g/L) + Sodium
glycerophosphate (4.59 g/L) + Taurine (0.5 g/L) + Threonine (2.2
g/L) + Tryptophan (1 g/L) + Tyrosine (0.2 g/L) + Valine (3.1 g/L) + Zinc
chloride (0.00545 g/L)
 NAME INGREDIENTS DOSAGE ROUTE

Aminomix 2 Novum - Potassium hydroxide (1.981 g/L) + Acetic acid (4.5 g/L) + Alanine (7 Solution Intravenou

Infusionslösung g/L) + Arginine (6 g/L) + Calcium chloride (0.294 g/L) + Dextrose, s
unspecified form (120 g/L) + Glycine (5.5 g/L) + Histidine (1.5
g/L) + Hydrochloric acid (1.47 ml/L) + Isoleucine (2.5
g/L) + Leucine (3.7 g/L) + Lysine hydrochloride (4.125
g/L) + Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (0.61
g/L) + Methionine (2.15 g/L) + Phenylalanine (2.55 g/L) + Proline (5.6
g/L) + Serine (3.25 g/L) + Sodium chloride (1.169 g/L) + Sodium
glycerophosphate (4.59 g/L) + Taurine (0.5 g/L) + Threonine (2.2
g/L) + Tryptophan (1 g/L) + Tyrosine (0.2 g/L) + Valine (3.1 g/L) + Zinc
chloride (0.00545 g/L)

Elotrace - Potassium hydroxide (39.607 g/L) + Calcium chloride (5.881 Solution Intravenou

Infusionszusatz g/L) + Cupric Chloride (32.19 mg/L) + Ferric chloride (53.24 s
mg/L) + Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (10.166 g/L) + Manganese
chloride (10.81 mg/L) + Potassium Iodide (1.66 g/L) + Sodium
selenite (2.63 mg/L) + Sodium fluoride (21 g/L) + Sodium
glycerophosphate (107.142 g/L) + Sodium molybdate (0.5
mg/L) + Zinc chloride (125.07 mg/ml)

Kalium-L-malat Potassium hydroxide (1.32 g/20ml) + Malic acid (2.682 g/20ml) Solution Intravenou

"Fresenius" 1 molar - s
Infusionszusatz -
Ampullen

Nutriflex peri Potassium hydroxide (0.52 g) + Alanine (4.85 g) + Arginine Solution Parenteral

Infusionslösung glutamate (4.98 g) + Aspartic acid (1.5 g) + Calcium chloride (0.37
g) + Dextrose, unspecified form (80 g) + Glutamic acid (1.22
g) + Glycine (1.65 g) + Histidine (1.25 g) + Isoleucine (2.34
g) + Leucine (3.13 g) + Lysine hydrochloride (2.84 g) + Magnesium
acetate (0.86 g) + Methionine (1.96 g) + Monopotassium
phosphate (0.78 g) + Phenylalanine (3.51 g) + Proline (3.4
g) + Serine (3 g) + Sodium acetate trihydrate (1.56 g) + Sodium
chloride (0.17 g) + Sodium hydroxide (0.5 g) + Threonine (1.82
g) + Tryptophan (0.57 g) + Valine (2.6 g)

Nutriflex Peri Potassium hydroxide (0.52 g/1000ml) + Alanine (4.85 Injection, Intravenou

Solution for Infusion g/1000ml) + Arginine (2.7 g/1000ml) + Aspartic acid (1.5 solution s
g/1000ml) + Calcium chloride dihydrate (0.37 g/1000ml) + Calcium
chloride dihydrate (0.37 g/1000ml) + Glutamic acid (1.22
g/1000ml) + Glycine (1.65 g/1000ml) + Histidine (1.25
 NAME INGREDIENTS DOSAGE ROUTE

g/1000ml) + Isoleucine (2.34 g/1000ml) + Leucine (3.13
g/1000ml) + Lysine hydrochloride (2.84 g/1000ml) + Magnesium
acetate tetrahydrate (0.86 g/1000ml) + Methionine (1.96
g/1000ml) + Monopotassium phosphate (0.78
g/1000ml) + Phenylalanine (3.51 g/1000ml) + Proline (3.4
g/1000ml) + Serine (3 g/1000ml) + Sodium acetate trihydrate (1.56
g/1000ml) + Sodium chloride (0.17 g/1000ml) + Sodium
hydroxide (0.5 g/1000ml) + Threonine (1.82
g/1000ml) + Tryptophan (0.57 g/1000ml) + Valine (2.6 g/1000ml)

Nutriflex plus Potassium hydroxide (1.4 g) + Alanine (5.82 g) + Arginine Solution Parenteral

Infusionslösung glutamate (5.98 g) + Aspartic acid (1.8 g) + Calcium chloride
dihydrate (0.53 g) + Dextrose, unspecified form (150 g) + Glutamic
acid (1.47 g) + Glycine (1.98 g) + Histidine (1.5 g) + Isoleucine (2.82
g) + Leucine (3.76 g) + Lysine hydrochloride (3.41 g) + Magnesium
acetate tetrahydrate (1.23 g) + Methionine (2.35
g) + Phenylalanine (4.21 g) + Proline (4.08 g) + Serine (3.6
g) + Sodium acetate trihydrate (1.56 g) + Sodium hydroxide (0.23
g) + Sodium phosphate, monobasic (3.12 g) + Threonine (2.18
g) + Tryptophan (0.68 g) + Valine (3.12 g)

Nutriflex special Potassium hydroxide (0.62 g) + Alanine (8.49 g) + Arginine Solution Parenteral

Infusionslösung glutamate (8.72 g) + Aspartic acid (2.63 g) + Calcium chloride
dihydrate (0.6 g) + Dextrose, unspecified form (240 g) + Glutamic
acid (2.15 g) + Glycine (2.89 g) + Histidine (2.19 g) + Isoleucine (4.11
g) + Leucine (5.48 g) + Lysine hydrochloride (4.97 g) + Magnesium
acetate tetrahydrate (1.08 g) + Methionine (3.42
g) + Monopotassium phosphate (2 g) + Phenylalanine (6.15
g) + Proline (5.95 g) + Serine (5.25 g) + Sodium acetate
trihydrate (1.63 g) + Sodium hydroxide (1.14 g) + Threonine (3.18
g) + Tryptophan (1 g) + Valine (4.54 g)

OHTrust Nano Ion Potassium hydroxide (0.1 g/100mL) + Hydroxide ion (0.5 g/100mL) Liquid Topical
Water

Tincture Green Potassium hydroxide (5.961 g/100mL) + Ethanol (24.93 Liquid Topical

g/100mL) + Rosin (2.47 g/100mL)
 Showing 1 to 10 of 12 entries

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Unapproved/Other Products 

Show   entries

NAME INGREDIENTS DOSAGE ROUTE LABELLE

MIRACLE WATER 3 Potassium hydroxide (0.3 mg/1mL) Spray Topical ORIGIN G&B CO.,LTD
in 1

OHTrust Nano Ion Potassium hydroxide (0.2 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Kunshan Nano Environme
Water Technology CO. LTD.

OHTrust Nano Ion Potassium hydroxide (0.2 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayma
Water

OHTrust Nano Ion Potassium hydroxide (0.1 g/100mL) + Hydroxide Liquid Topical Kunshan Nano Environme
Water ion (0.5 g/100mL) Technology CO. LTD.

OHTrust Nano Ion Potassium hydroxide (0.2 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayma
Water

OHTrust Nano Ion Potassium hydroxide (0.2 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayma
Water

OHTrust Nano Ion Potassium hydroxide (0.2 g/100mL) Liquid Topical Nanoplus Limited (Cayma
Water

Potassium Potassium hydroxide (.05 g/1g) Liquid Topical Gordon Laboratories

Hydroxide

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CATEGORIES
Drug Categories

 Alkalies
 Anions
 Compounds used in a research, industrial, or household setting
 Electrolytes
 Indicators and Reagents
 Ions
 Laboratory Chemicals
 Potassium Salt
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

1. 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]
2. Evaluation of Topical Potassium Hydroxide Solution for Treatment of Plane Warts [Link]
3. Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
4. FDA document, potassium hydroxide [Link]
5. Potassium [Link]
6. NJ Gov Document, Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
7. Comparison of 5% potassium hydroxide with 10% potassium hydroxide solution in
treatment of molluscum contagiosum: A comparative study [Link]
8. Potassium Hydroxide Liquid [Link]
9. Potassium hydroxide overview [Link]
10. Overview of KOH [Link]
 11. NIH MeSH search, Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
12. ECHA information page, Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
13. Potassium Hydroxide- Continental Chemical [Link]
14. InCHEM, Potassium Hydroxide [Link]
External Links

KEGG Drug

D01168

KEGG Compound

C12568

PubChem Compound

14797

PubChem Substance

347827922

ChemSpider

14113

RxNav

34311

ChEBI

32035

ChEMBL

CHEMBL2103983

Wikipedia

Potassium_hydroxide

MSDS

Download (76.7 KB)

CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials 

Show   entries
 PHASE STATUS PURPOSE CO

3 Not Yet Recruiting Treatment Plantar Warts

1 Completed Treatment Molluscum Contagiosum

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PHARMACOECONOMICS
Manufacturers

Not Available

Packagers

Not Available

Dosage Forms

Show   entries

FORM ROUTE

Injection Intravenous

Spray Topical

Injection, solution Intravenous

Solution Parenteral

Injection, solution

Liquid Topical

Liquid Topical

Liquid Topical

Solution Intravenous
 Showing 1 to 9 of 9 entries

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Prices

Not Available

Patents

Not Available

PROPERTIES
State

Solid

Experimental Properties

PROPERTY VALUE

melting point (°C) 405

boiling point (°C) 1,320

water solubility Soluble

Predicted Properties

PROPERTY VALUE

logP 0.2

pKa (Strongest Acidic) 3.09

Physiological Charge 1

Hydrogen Acceptor Count 0

Hydrogen Donor Count 0

Polar Surface Area 0 Å2

Rotatable Bond Count 0

Refractivity 0 m3·mol-1
 PROPERTY VALUE

Polarizability 1.78 Å3

Number of Rings 0

Bioavailability 1

Rule of Five Yes

Ghose Filter No

Veber's Rule Yes

MDDR-like Rule No

Predicted ADMET Features

Not Available

SPECTRA
Mass Spec (NIST)

Not Available

Spectra

Not Available

Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at February 21, 2021 18:52
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