Drug reference directory
Drug reference

potassium permanganate

Antidote

Antidote
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated

Mechanism

Oxidizes alkaloids.

Indications

garglingdouchingirrigating cavitiesirrigating urethrairrigating woundsdisinfection of waterstomach wash in alkaloidal poisoning (except atropine and cocaine)

Contraindications

  • surgical instruments (promotes rusting)

Side effects

Serious
  • burns and blistering

Drug interactions

Alkaloids
Moderate
Textbook

Formation of an inactive product.

Used for gastric lavage in poisoning.

Source: KDT 7e · p58

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Textbook-sourced·Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Updated: 2026-05-10