Explore a selection of our essential drug information below, or:
Identification
- Summary
Potassium nitrate is a medication used to cauterize small wounds, remove granulation tissue, warts, and verrucae, and treat tooth sensitivity.
- Brand Names
- Meijer, Prevident 5000 Sensitive, Styptstix
- Generic Name
- Potassium nitrate
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB11090
- Background
Potassium nitrate is an inorganic salt with a chemical formula of KNO3. It is a natural source of nitrate and has been used as a constituent for several different purposes, including food preservatives, fertilizers, tree stump removal, rocket propellants, and fireworks. Potassium nitrate is a common active ingredient in toothpaste, exerting an anti-sensitivity action. It provides increasing protection against painful sensitivity of the teeth to cold, heat, acids, sweets or contact 13,14.
In addition, potassium nitrate is used as a diuretic in pigs, cattle, and horses. It is administered orally doses up to 30 g per animal per day 7.
- Type
- Small Molecule
- Groups
- Approved
- Structure
Structure for Potassium nitrate (DB11090)
- Weight
- Average: 101.1032
Monoisotopic: 100.951524732 - Chemical Formula
- KNO3
- Synonyms
- Potassium nitrate
- External IDs
- E-252
- INS NO.252
- INS-252
Pharmacology
- Indication
For the relief of tooth sensitivity, and is also used as a pesticide, insecticide, as a food additive, and a rodenticide 10,13,16.
Reduce drug development failure ratesBuild, train, & validate machine-learning modelswith evidence-based and structured datasets.Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.- Associated Conditions
Indication Type Indication Combined Product Details Approval Level Age Group Patient Characteristics Dose Form Management of Tooth sensitivity ••• ••• - Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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The potassium cation is an essential electrolyte that is important for the maintenance of intracellular osmotic pressure and for the maintenance of cell membrane potential, in particular, the potential of electrically excitable tissues 7. It is a regular component of the diet and is particularly abundant in fruit and vegetables. The recommended daily intake varies from 350-1275 mg in children to 1875 and 5625 mg in adults. In the United Kingdom, the recommended intake is 3.5 g/day for healthy adults 7. Potassium ions are believed to disturb the synapse between nerve cells, thus decreasing nerve excitation and the associated pain 10.
Potassium nitrates are ignitable fumigants also utilized as rodenticides and insecticides. They are added to other pesticide active ingredients (sulfur and carbon) and placed into fumigant gas cartridges, designed to be ignited and placed in pest-infested areas. The activated cartridge bombs release toxic gases which are lethal to select rodents, skunks, coyotes, and wasps 11.
Potassium ions have demonstrated in animal studies to act directly on the nerves and to reduce sensory activity 10. Tooth hypersensitivity can be relieved by inactivating the intra-dental nerve and inhibiting neural transmission, using suitable medications 10.
It has been found that potassium-to-sodium intake ratios are strongly related to cardiovascular disease risk than either nutrient alone. The data describing this relationship warrants further research for various target tissue endpoints 2.
- Mechanism of action
Potassium (K+) is the principal cation modulating the osmotic balance of the body fluids. In animals, the maintenance of normal cell volume and pressure is dependent on Na+ and K+ pumping 17. Potassium transport through the hydrophobic interior of a cell membrane may be facilitated by several naturally occurring compounds that form lipid-soluble alkali metal cation complexes. Potassium has the critical role of a calcium counter-ion for numerous carboxylates, phosphates, and sulfates, and also acts to stabilize macromolecular structures 17.
Potassium is the primary agent for common, over the counter de-sensitizing toothpaste that prevents the transmission of nerve endings to the teeth. Potassium salts, including potassium nitrate, potassium chloride or potassium citrate work by diffusion across the dentinal tubules, causing depolarization of the nerve cells. In turn, these cells become unresponsive to excitatory stimuli. The effect of the potassium nitrate accumulates over time, and it may take several weeks for patients to notice improvement of pain symptoms 10.
Potassium nitrates control pests using a unique mechanism of action. Rather than directly poisoning rodents, nitrates support the combustion of charcoal in gas cartridges, promoting the production of toxic gases, which, are lethal to the target pest. The environmental protection agency in the USA (EPA) is only minimally concerned about the risk of direct human exposure to sodium or potassium nitrates, rather than pesticide accidents--typically involving skin burns or inhalation of toxic gases 17.
Target Actions Organism UPotassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 agonistHumans - Absorption
It is established that nitrate is quickly and almost entirely absorbed from the proximal and small intestine subsequent to ingestion in most animals, with little if any absorption from the stomach and lower intestine 13.
The vast majority of intestinal K+ absorption occurs in the small intestine; the contribution of the normal colon to net K+ absorption and secretion is trivial 5.
- Volume of distribution
Nitrates are absorbed into the general blood circulation and are transported across the body. Radioactive tracer experiments have demonstrated that nitrates are distributed evenly among body organs, and their rate of distribution depends on blood flow 13.
- Protein binding
Not Available
- Metabolism
Nitrates are reduced to nitrites by the bacteria in saliva and the gastrointestinal system 13. The in vivo reduction of nitrates to nitrites depends on conditions that are subject to much variations such the volume and species of microflora present in the saliva/gastrointestinal tract, and stomach pH. Gastric pH is higher in infants younger than 6 months of age and during certain gastrointestinal tract infections, thereby favoring the reduction of nitrates 13.
Nitrate is metabolized to a small extent. The biotransformation of potassium nitrate consists of nitrate reduction, nitrite formation, nitrite reoxidation to nitrate, and formation of methemoglobin or NO, in a dynamic equilibrium 11, 12, 13.
Hover over products below to view reaction partners
- Route of elimination
Nitrates are excreted in the urine primarily as inorganic nitrates 13.
- Half-life
Not Available
- Clearance
Not Available
- Adverse Effects
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Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 1901 mg/kg in rabbits MSDS and 3750 mg/kg in rats 7.
The primary acute toxic effect of nitrates is the development of methemoglobinemia, a condition in which greater than 10% of the hemoglobin in the body is transformed into methemoglobin. When this conversion exceeds 70% the condition may result in death 9.
The potassium ion by itself possesses very little toxicity; the toxicity of the salts is associated with the anion. Potassium nitrate is rapidly absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract and is excreted mostly as the unchanged drug 7. This excludes a small percentage of the ingested dose that is reduced by the microbial action of the gut to nitrite. Nitrites convert the hemoglobin in red blood cells into methemoglobin 7. In male rats given potassium nitrate, intestinal absorption was affected 1.
Adverse increased potassium intake included changes in blood lipids, triglyceride, decreased high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol), changes in renal function, and increases in catecholamine levels. The decrease in blood volume caused by increased potassium activates the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Decreases in blood volume may also contribute to the observed changes in blood lipid concentrations 14.
Death and severe effects of nitrate ingestion are generally associated with doses of the drugs above 10g NO3-. Doses ranging from 2-9 g NO3- have been reported to cause methemoglobinemia. These values correspond to 33 - 150 mg NO3-/kg 9 Potassium nitrate was shown to cause low to moderate acute toxicity. Repeated dose toxicity was investigated in rats given oral doses in the range 10-100 mg/kg per day for 4 months; bronchopneumonia, local hemorrhages, and other circulatory disorders were observed in treated animals. Cattle were given oral doses of 345-450 mg/kg daily (expressed as nitrate) for several months; blood phosphate and magnesium were decreased and blood calcium, urinary magnesium, urea and milk urea were increased 7.
- 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 softwareAbacavir Abacavir may decrease the excretion rate of Potassium nitrate which could result in a higher serum level. Acebutolol Potassium nitrate may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acebutolol. Aceclofenac Potassium nitrate may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Aceclofenac. Acemetacin Potassium nitrate may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acemetacin. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen may decrease the excretion rate of Potassium nitrate which could result in a higher serum level. - 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 Nitrate ionic T93E9Y2844 14797-55-8 NHNBFGGVMKEFGY-UHFFFAOYSA-N - Brand Name Prescription Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image SheerDesenZ Desensitizing Treatment Film 12 mg/1 Dental Cao Group, Inc. 2010-09-01 2018-10-11 US 
- Over the Counter Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Attitude Adult Fluoride-free - Sensitive - Spearmint Gel, dentifrice 5 g/100g Oral Attitude DBA 9055-7588 Québec Inc. 2022-06-01 Not applicable US Dr. Sheffield Sensitive Care Paste, dentifrice 50 mg/1g Oral Sheffield Pharmaceuticals LLC 2017-05-15 Not applicable US EcoDent Res-Q-Dent Paste 50 mg/1g Oral Lotus Brands, Inc. 2013-06-01 2019-07-29 US Jason Oral Comfort Sensitive Teeth Very Berry Mint Gel 5 g/100g Oral The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. 2017-10-16 2019-10-10 US Jason Total Protection Sensitive Paste, dentifrice 5 g/100g Topical The Hain Celestial Group, Inc 2019-07-01 Not applicable US - Mixture Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image 4 Pack Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (2.4 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (2.4 mg/1g) Kit; Paste Dental Smiletwice, Inc. 2018-09-14 Not applicable US 4 Pack Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (2.4 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (2.4 mg/1g) Kit; Paste Dental Smiletwice, Inc. 2018-09-14 Not applicable US Advancew White Sensitive Maximum Strength Sensitivity Relief with Whitening Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (2.4 mg/1g) Paste, dentifrice Dental Church & Dwight Company, Inc. 2001-03-01 2012-06-01 US Aim Sensitive Cavity Protection Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (2.4 mg/1g) Gel, dentifrice Dental Church & Dwight Co., Inc. 2015-03-25 Not applicable US Alora Sensitivity Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (2.5 mg/1g) Gel, dentifrice Dental Amazon, Inc 2019-10-01 Not applicable US - Unapproved/Other Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Denta 5000 Plus Sensitive Potassium nitrate (57.5 mg/1mL) + Sodium fluoride (5.8 mg/1mL) Gel, dentifrice Dental Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. 2024-02-14 Not applicable US DOCTRUST ONE S Tooth Potassium nitrate (5.00 g/100g) + Silicon dioxide (17.50 g/100g) + Sodium fluoride (0.02 g/100g) Paste, dentifrice Dental DOCSMEDI OralBiome Co., Ltd. 2021-12-01 Not applicable US Fluoridex Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (5 mg/1g) Paste, dentifrice Dental DENT-MAT HOLDINGS, LLC. 2016-12-21 Not applicable US Fluoridex Potassium nitrate (50 mg/1g) + Sodium fluoride (5 mg/1g) Paste, dentifrice Dental DENT-MAT HOLDINGS, LLC. 2017-01-06 Not applicable US Fluoridex Daily Defense Sensitivity Relief Potassium nitrate (0.050 g/1g) + Sodium fluoride (0.011 g/1g) Paste, dentifrice Dental Discus Dental, Llc 2013-09-27 2016-12-31 US
Categories
- Drug Categories
- Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
- Description
- This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as alkali metal nitrates. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest oxoanion is nitrate, 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 nitrates
- Direct Parent
- Alkali metal nitrates
- Alternative Parents
- Inorganic salts / Inorganic oxides
- Substituents
- Alkali metal nitrate / Inorganic oxide / Inorganic salt
- Molecular Framework
- Not Available
- External Descriptors
- potassium salt, inorganic nitrate salt (CHEBI:63043)
- Affected organisms
- Humans and other mammals
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- RU45X2JN0Z
- CAS number
- 7757-79-1
- InChI Key
- FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
- InChI=1S/K.NO3/c;2-1(3)4/q+1;-1
- IUPAC Name
- potassium nitrate
- SMILES
- [K+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O
References
- Synthesis Reference
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/potassium-nitrate
- General References
- Grudzinski I, Szymanski A: The effect of acute poisoning with potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite on the processes of intestinal absorption of D-xylose in rats. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 1991 Sep;21(3):453-61. [Article]
- Weaver CM: Potassium and health. Adv Nutr. 2013 May 1;4(3):368S-77S. doi: 10.3945/an.112.003533. [Article]
- Schultz DS, Deen WM, Karel SF, Wagner DA, Tannenbaum SR: Pharmacokinetics of nitrate in humans: role of gastrointestinal absorption and metabolism. Carcinogenesis. 1985 Jun;6(6):847-52. [Article]
- Bychkov R, Gollasch M, Steinke T, Ried C, Luft FC, Haller H: Calcium-activated potassium channels and nitrate-induced vasodilation in human coronary arteries. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1998 Apr;285(1):293-8. [Article]
- Agarwal R, Afzalpurkar R, Fordtran JS: Pathophysiology of potassium absorption and secretion by the human intestine. Gastroenterology. 1994 Aug;107(2):548-71. [Article]
- Potassium Nitrate [Link]
- Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products: Potassium nitrate summary report (EMEA/MRL/232/97-FINAL) [Link]
- CHEBI:63043 - potassium nitrate [Link]
- POTASSIUM NITRATE [Link]
- Mechanism of Action of a Desensitizing Fluoride Toothpaste Delivering Calcium and Phosphate Ingredients in the Treatment of Dental Hypersensitivity [Link]
- EPA NITRATES DOCUMENT [Link]
- Nitrates [Link]
- Potassium Nitrate [Link]
- NITRATE [Link]
- Guideline-Potassium Intake [Link]
- Nitrates in the meat industry [Link]
- POTASSIUM CHLORIDE [Link]
- Reduction in Dental Hypersensitivity with Nano-Hydroxyapatite, Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Monoflurophosphate and Antioxidants [Link]
- Dietary nitrite and nitrate: a review of potential mechanisms of cardiovascular benefits [Link]
- DailyMed: Dr. Sheffield Sensitive Care (potassium nitrate 5%) [Link]
- External Links
- Human Metabolome Database
- HMDB0303531
- PubChem Compound
- 24434
- PubChem Substance
- 347827891
- ChemSpider
- 22843
- 34316
- ChEBI
- 63043
- ChEMBL
- CHEMBL1644029
- Wikipedia
- Potassium_nitrate
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials
Clinical Trial & Rare Diseases Add-on Data Package
Explore 4,000+ rare diseases, orphan drugs & condition pairs, clinical trial why stopped data, & more. Preview package Phase Status Purpose Conditions Count Start Date Why Stopped 100+ additional columns Unlock 175K+ rows when you subscribe.View sample data3 Completed Other Caries 1 somestatus stop reason just information to hide 3 Completed Treatment Dentinal Hypersensitivity 1 somestatus stop reason just information to hide 3 Completed Treatment Hypersensitivity Dentin 1 somestatus stop reason just information to hide 3 Not Yet Recruiting Treatment Sensitivity, Tooth / Tooth Bleaching 1 somestatus stop reason just information to hide 3 Unknown Status Treatment Dentin Sensitivity 1 somestatus stop reason just information to hide
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
- Not Available
- Packagers
- Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Kit; paste Dental Gel, dentifrice Oral 5 g/100g Suspension Oral Solution Dental; Oral 5 g Solution Buccal; Oral Gel Dental; Oral Paste, dentifrice Oral 50 mg/1g Paste Oral 50 mg/1g Gel Topical Paste, dentifrice Dental Paste Oral Paste, dentifrice Oral Gel, dentifrice Dental Gel Oral 5 g/100g Paste, dentifrice Topical 5 g/100g Gel, dentifrice Dental 5 g/100g Mouthwash Oral Paste Buccal Cream; paste, dentifrice Topical Stick Topical Powder Oral 100 % Paste, dentifrice Dental 6.662 g/133g Paste, dentifrice Dental 0.05 g/1g Paste Oral 5 g/100mL Gel Dental Paste, dentifrice Topical Solution Oral Film Dental 12 mg/1 Swab Topical Gel; kit; liquid; paste Dental; Oral Paste, dentifrice Dental 50 mg/1g Paste Dental Kit; paste, dentifrice Dental - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
- Not Available
Properties
- State
- Solid
- Experimental Properties
Property Value Source melting point (°C) 334 MSDS boiling point (°C) 400 MSDS water solubility 35g/100ml https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0184.html - Predicted Properties
Property Value Source logP -2.6 Chemaxon pKa (Strongest Basic) -9.9 Chemaxon Physiological Charge -1 Chemaxon Hydrogen Acceptor Count 3 Chemaxon Hydrogen Donor Count 0 Chemaxon Polar Surface Area 66.2 Å2 Chemaxon Rotatable Bond Count 0 Chemaxon Refractivity 8.35 m3·mol-1 Chemaxon Polarizability 3.28 Å3 Chemaxon Number of Rings 0 Chemaxon Bioavailability 1 Chemaxon Rule of Five Yes Chemaxon Ghose Filter No Chemaxon Veber's Rule No Chemaxon MDDR-like Rule No Chemaxon - Predicted ADMET Features
- Not Available
Spectra
- Mass Spec (NIST)
- Not Available
- Spectra
Spectrum Spectrum Type Splash Key Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS Predicted GC-MS splash10-0udi-0900000000-51dd8cb602ed71d15a99 - Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Adduct CCS Value (Å2) Source type Source [M-H]- 104.642044 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019) [M+H]+ 107.02523 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019) [M+Na]+ 115.628006 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
Targets
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Agonist
- General Function
- Pore-forming (alpha) subunit of voltage-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel. Channel properties are modulated by cAMP and subunit assembly. Mediates the rapidly activating component of the delayed rectifying potassium current in heart (IKr) (PubMed:18559421, PubMed:26363003, PubMed:27916661)
- Specific Function
- C3hc4-type ring finger domain binding
- Gene Name
- KCNH2
- Uniprot ID
- Q12809
- Uniprot Name
- Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2
- Molecular Weight
- 126653.52 Da
Enzymes
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Enterobacter cloacae
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Substrate
- General Function
- Oxidoreductase activity
- Specific Function
- Not Available
- Gene Name
- onr
- Uniprot ID
- P71278
- Uniprot Name
- Pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase
- Molecular Weight
- 39488.93 Da
References
- Dietary nitrite and nitrate: a review of potential mechanisms of cardiovascular benefits [Link]
Transporters
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Substrate
- General Function
- The alpha subunit has cell adhesive properties. Can act both as an adhesion and an anti-adhesion protein. May provide a protective layer on epithelial cells against bacterial and enzyme attack
- Specific Function
- P53 binding
- Gene Name
- MUC1
- Uniprot ID
- P15941
- Uniprot Name
- Mucin-1
- Molecular Weight
- 122100.89 Da
References
- Nitrate transport in salivary glands with implications for NO homeostasis [Link]
Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at March 27, 2024 05:12