General
Preferred name
POTASSIUM NITRATE
Synonyms
INS-252 ()
Nitre ()
E252 ()
Saltpetre ()
E-252 ()
NSC-57632 ()
Kali nitricum ()
Saltpeter ()
INS NO.252 ()
P&D ID
PD061024
CAS
7757-79-1
Tags
available
inorganic
drug
Drug Status
investigational
approved
Max Phase
Phase 3
Structure
Probe scores
P&D probe-likeness score
[[ v.score ]]%
Structure formats
[[ format ]]
[[ compound[format === 'MOL' ? 'molblock' : format.toLowerCase()] ]]
Description
(extracted from source data)
INDICATION For the relief of tooth sensitivity, and is also used as a pesticide, insecticide, as a food additive, and a rodenticide [L1751, L1754, L1757].;
METABOLISM Nitrates are reduced to nitrites by the bacteria in saliva and the gastrointestinal system [L1754]. 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 [L1754].; ; 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 [L1752], [L1753], [L1754].
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 [L1754].; ; 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 [A32174].
PHARMACODYNAMICS 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 [L1736]. 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 [L1736]. Potassium ions are believed to disturb the synapse between nerve cells, thus decreasing nerve excitation and the associated pain [L1751].; ; 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 [L1752, L753].; ; Potassium ions have demonstrated in animal studies to act directly on the nerves and to reduce sensory activity [L1751]. Tooth hypersensitivity can be relieved by inactivating the intra-dental nerve and inhibiting neural transmission, using suitable medications [L1751].; ; 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 [A32167].; ; ;
MOA 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 [L1759]. 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 [L1759].; ; 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 [L1751].; ; 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 [L1759].
TOXICITY Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 1901 mg/kg in rabbits [MSDS] and 3750 mg/kg in rats [L1736].; ; 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 [L1750].; ; 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 [L1736]. 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 [L1736]. In male rats given potassium nitrate, intestinal absorption was affected [A32165].; ; 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 [L1755].; ; 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 [L1750]; 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 [L1736].
Compound Sets
3
ChEMBL Drugs
CHEMBL1644029
DrugBank
DB11090
DrugBank Approved Drugs
DB11090
External IDs
24
Properties
(calculated by RDKit )
Molecular Weight
100.95
Hydrogen Bond Acceptors
3
Hydrogen Bond Donors
0
Rotatable Bonds
0
Ring Count
0
Aromatic Ring Count
0
cLogP
-3.24
TPSA
66.2
Fraction CSP3
0.0
Chiral centers
0.0
Largest ring
0.0
QED
0.18
Structural alerts
0
No structural alerts detected
Custom attributes
(extracted from source data)
Source data