Potassium alum
Potassium alum Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Potassium alum is considered by the FDA as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance. It is an inorganic salt, also called potassium aluminum sulfate with a formula of AlK(SO4)2 that is predominantly produced in the dodecahydrate form (AlK(SO4)2 * 12H2O). Potassium alum is formed by large, transparent crystals that are used in different products like food or drugs as a buffer, neutralizing or forming agent.
The presence of potassium alum reduces swollen mucous membranes that result from inflammation of the nasal, gastrointestinal and urinary passages as well as in the presence of excessive secretions. The induction of the coagulation cascade will also stop bleeding.
| Trade Name | Potassium alum |
| Generic | Potassium alum |
| Potassium alum Other Names | Alum, potassium, Aluminium potassium sulfate, Aluminum potassium alum, Aluminum potassium disulfate, Aluminum potassium sulfate, Burnt potassium alum, Potash alum, Potassium aluminium sulfate, Potassium aluminum disulfate |
| Type | |
| Formula | AlKO8S2 |
| Weight | Average: 258.205 Monoisotopic: 257.848703658 |
| Protein binding | In studies, it has been shown that aluminum and aluminum salts are highly bound to plasma proteins. From the reports, it was found that 70-90% is bound to plasma proteins of which 60-70% is related to high molecular weight proteins and 10-20% to albumin. |
| Groups | Approved |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Potassium alum is considered safe by the FDA and its use is in homepathic or OTC products. Due to its presence in several different drugs, the main indications for the use of potassium alum are:
-Constipation -Cosmetic or drug astringent, helping the shrinkage of tissues and the dry of secretions -Oral health care drug -Part of formulation in cleansing products, skin-care products, mosturizers, face powders and deodorants -Antiperspirant -Antifungal
How Potassium alum works
The main functions of potassium alum in drugs are as an astringent, antiseptic or adjuvant agent. The astringent action is performed by the induction of coagulation in the superficial tissue layers until the formation of a crust. The formation of alum ions neutralize the charges on plasma proteins, causing the blood to coagulate. Similar effect is observed in disinfectants where these ions react with the free organic acid and thiol groups of proteins on microbes and free proteins, resulting in protein precipitation. This action will generate the contraction of the tissue and dry up secretions. Its adjuvant properties are mainly used in the production of vaccines where the presence of this chemical enhances the immune response.
Toxicity
There is no evidence of potassium alum that demonstrates any suspicious for it to be a hazard for the consumers in the currently approved levels of use.
Volume of Distribution
The distribution of aluminum salts in the body is influenced by increased concentrations of parathyroid hormone. It was shown, in preclinical studies, that oral administration of aluminum salts produces a distribution profile that forms deposits in kidneys, muscle, bone and gray matter.
Elimination Route
Potassium alum is found in its dodecahydrate form that produces a very large molecule. This large molecule cannot be absorbed through the skin when this substance is included as an astringent agent in topical OTC. If ingested, the aluminum salts are rapidly solubilized in the stomach and then they can generate aluminum hydroxide or poorly absorbed basic aluminum salts.
Half Life
Studies performed with aluminum compounds have shown a half-life of 4.5 h when administered intravenously.
Clearance
Renal clearance of aluminum is approximately 5-10% of the excretion of urea or creatinine. The reduced clearance of aluminum compounds is due to the high protein binding.
Elimination Route
When potassium alum is absorbed, the kidney is responsible for the elimination of the major portion of the absorbed dose. From the excretion, 0.1-0.3% of the absorbed dose is eliminated via the urine.
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