Potassium alum (2024)

NAV

Identification

SummaryBrand NamesNameAccession NumberBackgroundTypeGroupsStructureWeightChemical FormulaSynonymsExternal IDs

Pharmacology

IndicationPharmacodynamicsMechanism of actionAbsorptionVolume of distributionProtein bindingMetabolismRoute of eliminationHalf-lifeClearanceAdverse EffectsToxicityPathwaysPharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs

Interactions

Drug InteractionsFood Interactions

Products

Product IngredientsBrand Name Prescription ProductsOver the Counter ProductsMixture Products

Categories

Drug CategoriesChemical TaxonomyAffected organisms

Chemical Identifiers

UNIICAS numberInChI KeyInChIIUPAC NameSMILES

References

General ReferencesExternal LinksMSDS

Clinical Trials

Pharmacoeconomics

ManufacturersPackagersDosage FormsPricesPatents

Spectra

Mass SpecSpectra

Carriers (1)

Generic Name
Potassium alum
DrugBank Accession Number
DB09087
Background

Potassium alum is considered by the FDA as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance.9 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.4

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved
Structure

Potassium alum (1)

Structure for Potassium alum (DB09087)

Potassium alum (2)

Weight
Average: 258.205
Monoisotopic: 257.848703658
Chemical Formula
AlKO8S2
Synonyms
  • Alum, potassium
  • Aluminium potassium bis(sulphate)
  • Aluminium potassium sulfate
  • Aluminum potassium alum
  • Aluminum potassium disulfate
  • Aluminum potassium sulfate
  • Aluminum potassium sulfate anhydrous
  • Burnt potassium alum
  • Potash alum
  • Potassium aluminium sulfate
  • Potassium aluminum disulfate
External IDs
  • E-522
  • INS NO.522
  • INS-522

Pharmacology

Indication

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:

-Constipation10-Cosmetic or drug astringent, helping the shrinkage of tissues and the dry of secretions11-Oral health care drug11-Part of formulation in cleansing products, skin-care products, mosturizers, face powders and deodorants12-Antiperspirant13-Antifungal13

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Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings

Potassium alum (5)

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Pharmacodynamics

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.14

Mechanism of action

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.15

Absorption

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.5 If ingested, the aluminum salts are rapidly solubilized in the stomach and then they can generate aluminum hydroxide or poorly absorbed basic aluminum salts.6

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.7

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.1

Metabolism

Potassium alum does not go through a metabolic pathway. When ingested or absorbed, it will get rapidly dissolved and it will form ions that will later generate other salt derivatives.

Route of elimination

When potassium alum is absorbed, the kidney is responsible for the elimination of the major portion of the absorbed dose.2 From the excretion, 0.1-0.3% of the absorbed dose is eliminated via the urine.8

Half-life

Studies performed with aluminum compounds have shown a half-life of 4.5 h when administered intravenously.8

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.3

Adverse Effects

Potassium alum (6)

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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.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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AcebutololPotassium alum may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acebutolol.
AceclofenacPotassium alum may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Aceclofenac.
AcemetacinPotassium alum may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acemetacin.
Acetylsalicylic acidPotassium alum may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Acetylsalicylic acid.
AlclofenacPotassium alum may increase the hyperkalemic activities of Alclofenac.
Food Interactions
Not Available

Products

Potassium alum (7)

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Product Ingredients
IngredientUNIICASInChI Key
Potassium alum dodecahydrateNot AvailableNot AvailableNot applicable
Brand Name Prescription Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Gingibraid W Alum Pot Sulf 0a 0.25mg/2.5cmPacking0.25 mg / 2.5 cmDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312007-07-31Potassium alum (8)
Gingibraid W Alum Pot Sulf 1a 0.35mg/2.5cmPacking0.35 mg / 2.5 cmDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312007-07-31Potassium alum (9)
Gingibraid W Alum Pot Sulf 2a 0.65mg/2.5cmPacking0.65 mg / 2.5 cmDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312007-07-31Potassium alum (10)
Gingibraid W Alum Pot Sulf 3a 1.15mg/2.5cmPacking1.15 mg / 2.5 cmDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312007-07-31Potassium alum (11)
Gingiyarn W Alum Pot Sulf No1 0.45mg/2.5cmPacking.45 mg / 2.5 cmDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312005-08-04Potassium alum (12)
Over the Counter Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Alum PowderedPowderOralDawson Traders Ltd.1977-12-312006-03-22Potassium alum (13)
Mixture Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Blood Stop LiqPotassium alum (62.2 mg / mL) + Tannic acid (62.2 mg / mL)LiquidTopicalLaboratoire Romilo1979-12-311999-08-18Potassium alum (14)
Gingibraid W Alum Pot Sulf and Epin 0ePotassium alum (0.15 mg / 2.5 cm) + Racepinephrine hydrochloride (0.2 mg / 2.5 cm)PackingDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312007-07-31Potassium alum (15)
Gingibraid W Epineph and Alum 1ePotassium alum (0.25 mg / 2.5 cm) + Racepinephrine hydrochloride (0.4 mg / 2.5 cm)PackingDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312007-07-31Potassium alum (16)
Gingibraid W Epineph and Alum 2ePotassium alum (0.35 mg / 2.5 cm) + Racepinephrine hydrochloride (0.6 mg / 2.5 cm)PackingDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312007-07-31Potassium alum (17)
Gingibraid W Epineph and Alum 3ePotassium alum (0.55 mg / 2.5 cm) + Racepinephrine hydrochloride (0.9 mg / 2.5 cm)PackingDentalVan R Dental Products Inc.1981-12-312007-07-31Potassium alum (18)

Categories

Drug Categories
Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
Description
This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as post-transition metal sulfates. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest oxoanion is sulfate, and in which the heaviest atom not in an oxoanion is a post-transition metal.
Kingdom
Inorganic compounds
Super Class
Mixed metal/non-metal compounds
Class
Post-transition metal oxoanionic compounds
Sub Class
Post-transition metal sulfates
Direct Parent
Post-transition metal sulfates
Alternative Parents
Post-transition metal salts / Inorganic salts / Inorganic oxides
Substituents
Inorganic oxide / Inorganic post-transition metal salt / Inorganic salt / Post-transition metal sulfate
Molecular Framework
Not Available
External Descriptors
potassium salt, metal sulfate, aluminium salt (CHEBI:86463)
Affected organisms
  • Humans and other mammals

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
09OXB01F3O
CAS number
10043-67-1
InChI Key
GRLPQNLYRHEGIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-J
InChI

InChI=1S/Al.K.2H2O4S/c;;2*1-5(2,3)4/h;;2*(H2,1,2,3,4)/q+3;+1;;/p-4

IUPAC Name

aluminium(3+) potassium disulfate

SMILES

[Al+3].[K+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O.[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O

References

General References
  1. Elliott HL, Macdougall AI: Aluminium studies in dialysis encephalopathy. Proc Eur Dial Transplant Assoc. 1978;15:157-63. [Article]
  2. Kovalchik MT, Kaehny WD, Hegg AP, Jackson JT, Alfrey AC: Aluminum kinetics during hemodialysis. J Lab Clin Med. 1978 Nov;92(5):712-20. [Article]
  3. Berlyne GM, Ben-Ari J, Pest D, Weinberger J, Stern M, Levine R, Gilmore GR: Hyperaluminaemia from aluminum resins in renal failure. Lancet. 1970 Sep 5;2(7671):494-6. [Article]
  4. Burdock G. (1997). Encyclopedia of food and color additives. CRC Press.
  5. Burke I. (2000). The nature of beauty . Ebury Press.
  6. McEvoy G., Miller J. and Litvak K. (1990). AHFS Drug information 90.. Bethesda.
  7. National research council (1981). Drinking water and health (4th ed.). National academy press.
  8. Ellenhorn M.J. and Barceloux D.G. (1988). Medical toxicology: diagnosis and treatment of human poisoning. Elsevier.
  9. FDA GRAS [Link]
  10. Homepathic label [Link]
  11. EWG's skin deep [Link]
  12. Cosmetics info [Link]
  13. FDA OTC ingredients [Link]
  14. Encyclopaedia Britannica [Link]
  15. What is alum? [Link]
External Links
PubChem Compound
24856
PubChem Substance
310265014
ChemSpider
23239
RxNav
54989
ChEBI
86463
Wikipedia
Potassium_alum
MSDS

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Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers

Not Available

Packagers

Not Available

Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
PowderOral
LiquidTopical
PackingDental0.25 mg / 2.5 cm
PackingDental0.35 mg / 2.5 cm
PackingDental0.65 mg / 2.5 cm
PackingDental1.15 mg / 2.5 cm
PackingDental
PackingDental.45 mg / 2.5 cm
PackingDental.8 mg / 2.5 cm
PackingDental1.35 mg / 2.5 cm
PackingDental.138 mg / cm
PackingDental.244 mg / cm
PackingDental.68 mg / cm
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Solid
Experimental Properties
PropertyValueSource
melting point (°C)92.5 °C'MSDS'
boiling point (°C)200 °C'MSDS'
water solubility1 g/ 7.5 ml at 25ºCBurdock G. Encyclopedia of food and color additives. (1997).
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
logP-0.84Chemaxon
pKa (Strongest Acidic)-3Chemaxon
Physiological Charge-2Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count4Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area80.26 Å2Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count0Chemaxon
Refractivity11.53 m3·mol-1Chemaxon
Polarizability5.81 Å3Chemaxon
Number of Rings0Chemaxon
Bioavailability1Chemaxon
Rule of FiveYesChemaxon
Ghose FilterNoChemaxon
Veber's RuleNoChemaxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
Not Available
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Not Available

Carriers

Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action

Unknown

Actions

Binder

General Function
Toxic substance binding
Specific Function
Serum albumin, the main protein of plasma, has a good binding capacity for water, Ca(2+), Na(+), K(+), fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin and drugs. Its main function is the regulation of the colloid...
Gene Name
ALB
Uniprot ID
P02768
Uniprot Name
Serum albumin
Molecular Weight
69365.94 Da
References
  1. Elliott HL, Macdougall AI: Aluminium studies in dialysis encephalopathy. Proc Eur Dial Transplant Assoc. 1978;15:157-63. [Article]

Potassium alum (19)

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Drug created at September 15, 2015 20:19 / Updated at December 02, 2023 07:01

Product Image

Potassium alum (2024)

FAQs

Potassium alum? ›

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).

Is potassium alum safe to use? ›

In cosmetics, alum usually refers to potassium alum, which has astringent and antibacterial properties. However, it may not be safe for long-term use. An astringent causes tissues to contract, making them shrink or tighten.

What is potassium alum used for? ›

Potassium alum is commonly used in water purification, leather tanning, dyeing, fireproof textiles, and baking powder as E number E522. It also has cosmetic uses as a deodorant, as an aftershave treatment and as a styptic for minor bleeding from shaving.

What are the side effects of potassium alum? ›

Dry skin, skin irritation, burn, dizziness, throat tightness, fluid accumulation around the eye, hives, hypersensitivity reaction, allergic reaction, puffy face from water retention, skin ulcer and throat swelling are the side effects of alum. Therefore, it should not be used without a doctor's advice.

Is potassium alum baking powder? ›

Hint: Alum is aluminum potassium sulphate. This is the type of alum used in pickling and baking powder that you can get in the grocery store. It's also used in the tanning of leather, as a flocculant in water purification, as an aftershave ingredient, and as a fireproofing treatment for textiles.

Is potassium alum still aluminum? ›

Potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries as an astringent and antiseptic. It is different from aluminum in antiperspirants in a few ways: Potassium alum is a naturally occurring mineral salt that contains aluminum.

What is the safest deodorant to use? ›

Safe for Sensitive Skin:

Primally Pure's deodorants are known for being gentle on sensitive skin, making them a go-to choice for those with skin sensitivities. Its soothing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil provide relief to sensitive underarms, reducing the risk of skin irritation and rashes.

Does potassium alum penetrate skin? ›

Potassium alum (and other alums) is a natural mineral salt made up of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by your skin.

What are the precautions for potassium alum? ›

Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Wash clothing before reuse.

Can I use potassium alum on my face? ›

It all boils down to the toning, astringent and brightening properties of potassium alum. You can use your crystal to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, to treat acne, blemishes and breakouts, or to brighten dark spots.

Why is alum not recommended? ›

Alum's toxicity to humans

However, alum can still cause irritation, burns, and respiratory issues. If inhaled, it may cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritations. Alum is not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA.

What does alum do to your body? ›

Alum (AL) is one of the astringent herbal medicines that features a strong ability to dry dampness. Upon external use, it has the effects of detoxifying and killing worms in addition to an antipruritic effects. Upon internal use, it has a hemostatic effect and can check diarrhea and dispel windphlegm.

Is alum FDA approved? ›

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).

What is the common name for potassium alum? ›

Potash alum is a chemical compound widely used as Potassium sulphate dodecahydrate. It is a double salt that is used commonly in the field of medicine and the water treatment process. Potash alum is also known as Potassium alum or Potassium aluminium sulfate.

Why is potassium alum used in deodorant? ›

The Alum dissolves when it comes into contact with water or acidic substances, so when applied to the skin it creates a protective barrier with multiple properties: Controls sweating without blocking natural perspiration. Helps to heal small wounds on the skin after shaving.

What is a substitute for potassium alum? ›

Its alternative, Aluminium Chloride, is comprised of much smaller molecules than Potassium Alum, meaning that it is absorbed by the skin and plugs the sweat glands, preventing the release of unwanted chemicals in the body.

Does potassium alum occur naturally? ›

A naturally occurring mineral, potassium alum can be found on rock surfaces in areas of weathering and oxidation. It was known to the ancient Egyptians, who obtained it from the Western Desert for water treatment at least as early as 1500 BC.

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