Potassium nitrate powder
Potassium nitrate is an inorganic salt with a chemical formula of KNO3.
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2 branded products available
Therapeutically similar medicines
Similarity is based on WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and on a factual NHS dm+d therapeutic-grouping code prefix. Source data: NHS dm+d via TRUD (OGL v3.0), WHO ATC/DDD Index.
NHS prescribing volume and spending trends
Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE clinical guidance(2)
Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management (NG106)
Chronic heart failure in adults (QS9)
Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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Codes for healthcare professionals and prescribing systems
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NHS UK identifiers
SNOMED CT and dm+d codes from NHS TRUD (Technology Reference data Update Distribution), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. BNF code shown is the factual mapping value distributed by NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) in the dm+d supplementary file under OGL v3.0; it is not affiliated with, nor licensed from, the publishers of the British National Formulary.
Active and completed clinical studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Data accessed via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Trial information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Academic studies and reviews for this medicine's active substance
Showing all 30 studies.
Reviews & meta-analyses: 2 · Randomised trials: 3 · 1983–2025
Showing all 30 studies, sorted by most relevant.
E. Martini, M. Favoreto, M. Rezende, et al.
Clinical Oral Investigations, 2021
- Dentin Sensitivity
- Tooth Bleaching
- Tooth Bleaching Agents
Natalia Raddatz, Laura Morales de los Ríos, M. Lindahl, et al.
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2020
Potassium (K + ) and nitrogen (N) are essential nutrients, and their absorption and distribution within the plant must be coordinated for optimal growth and development. Potassium is involved in charge balance of inorganic and organic anions and macromolecules, control of membrane electrical potential, pH homeostasis and the regulation of cell osmotic pressure, whereas nitrogen is an essential component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Nitrate (NO 3 -) is often the primary nitrogen source, but it also serves as a signaling molecule to the plant. Nitrate regulates root architecture, stimulates shoot growth, delays flowering, regulates abscisic acid-independent stomata opening, and relieves seed dormancy. Plants can sense K + /NO 3 -levels in soils and adjust accordingly the uptake and root-to-shoot transport to balance the distribution of these ions between organs. On the other hand, in small amounts sodium (Na + ) is categorized as a "beneficial element" for plants, mainly as a "cheap" osmolyte. However, at high concentrations in the soil, Na + can inhibit various physiological processes impairing plant growth. Hence, plants have developed specific mechanisms to transport, sense, and respond to a variety of Na + conditions. Sodium is taken up by many K + transporters, and a large proportion of Na + ions accumulated in shoots appear to be loaded into the xylem by systems that show nitrate dependence. Thus, an adequate supply of mineral nutrients is paramount to reduce the noxious effects of salts and to sustain crop productivity under salt stress. In this review, we will focus on recent research unraveling the mechanisms that coordinate the K + -NO 3 -; Na + -NO 3 -, and K + -Na + transports, and the regulators controlling their uptake and allocation.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Zamani P, Shah SJ, Cohen JB, et al.
2025
- Heart Failure
- Exercise Test
Li J, Han Q, Zhang L, et al.
2023
Objective: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the efficacy of a toothpaste containing paeonol, potassium nitrate, and strontium chloride with control toothpaste on dentine hypersensitivity (DH). Methods: DH patients who had at least two sensitive teeth and did not use desensitization toothpaste in the past 3 months were randomly allocated to either test or control group. The toothpaste containing paeonol, potassium nitrate, and strontium chloride was used in the test group, while the placebo toothpaste used in control group. The outcome measures included Yeaple probe score and Schiff Index score at 4 and 8 weeks. The patients, personnel and assessors were blinded to the allocation. The differences in Yeaple probe score and Schiff Index score between groups were analyzed with ANOVA. Results: 91 eligible subjects were randomized. 88 of them completed 8-week follow-up and were analyzed (45 in the test group and 43 in the control group). In both groups, the Yeaple probe score showed an upward trend, while the Schiff sensitivity score showed a downward trend. At week 8, the Yeaple probe score had increased by 30.22 g in the test group, and the Schiff Index score had decreased by 0.89. Compared with the control group, the Yeaple probe score in the test group increased by 286.85% from baseline, and the Schiff Index score decreased by 42.96%, showing a statistically significant difference. Five cases of adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The toothpaste containing paeonol, potassium nitrate, and strontium chloride was effective against DH. Clinical significance: This combination of paeonol, potassium nitrate and strontium chloride could be a novel functional ingredient choice for anti-hypersensitivity products in future. Registration: The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000041417).
Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND
Somacal DC, do Rio MC, Bittencourt HR, et al.
2025
Toshiaki Isono
Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 1984
Niguse Aweke Sahalie, Addisu Alemayehu Assegie, Wei‐Nien Su, et al.
Journal of Power Sources, 2019
Abeed AHA, Saleem MH, Asghar MA, et al.
2023
Soil salinization has become a major issue around the world in recent years, as it is one of the consequences of climate change as sea levels rise. It is crucial to lessen the severe consequences of soil salinization on plants. A pot experiment was conducted to regulate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms in order to evaluate the ameliorative effects of potassium nitrate (KNO3) on Raphanus sativus L. genotypes under salt stress. The results from the present study illustrated that the salinity stress induced a significant decrease in shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, number of leaves per plant, leaf area chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate by 43, 67, 41, 21, 34, 28, 74, 91, 50, 41, 24, 34, 14, 26, and 67%, respectively, in a 40 day radish while decreased by 34, 61, 49, 19, 31, 27, 70, 81, 41, 16, 31, 11, 21, and 62%, respectively, in Mino radish. Furthermore, MDA, H2O2 initiation, and EL (%) of two varieties (40 day radish and Mino radish) of R. sativus increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 86, 26, and 72%, respectively, in the roots and also increased by 76, 106, and 38% in the leaves in a 40 day radish, compared to the untreated plants. The results also elucidated that the contents of phenolic, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin in the two varieties (40 day radish and Mino radish) of R. sativus increased with the exogenous application of KNO3 by 41, 43, 24, and 37%, respectively, in the 40 day radish grown under the controlled treatments. Results indicated that implementing KNO3 exogenously in the soil increased the activities of antioxidants like SOD, CAT, POD, and APX by 64, 24, 36, and 84% in the roots and also increased by 21, 12, 23, and 60% in the leaves of 40 day radish while also increased by 42, 13, 18, and 60% in the roots and also increased by 13, 14, 16, and 41% in the leaves in Mino radish, respectively, in comparison to those plants grown without KNO3. We found that KNO3 substantially improved plant growth by lowering the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, thereby further stimulating the antioxidant potential system, which led to an improved nutritional profile of both R. sativus L. genotypes under normal and stressed conditions. The current study would offer a deep theoretical foundation for clarifying the physiological and biochemical mechanisms by which the KNO3 improves salt tolerance in R. sativus L. genotypes.
Abstract licence: CC BY
D. A. Nissen, D. E. Meeker
Inorganic Chemistry, 1983
Bolat I, Korkmaz K, Dogan M, et al.
2024
- Nitrates
- Stress, Physiological
- Potassium Compounds
Abstract Background Drought and heat stress are significant concerns to food security in arid and semi-arid regions, where global warming is predicted to increase both frequency and severity. To cope with these challenges, the use of drought-tolerant plants or technological interventions are essential. In this study, the effects of foliar potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ) application on the stress tolerance and recovery of Myrobalan 29C rootstocks ( Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.) were evaluated. These rootstocks are widely recognized for their adaptability and are extensively used in fruit production. To assess their response, the rootstocks were subjected to drought, heat shock, or a combination of both stressors. Additionally, they were treated with 1.0% KNO 3 via foliar application. Throughout the stress and recovery periods, various morphological, physiological, and bio-chemical parameters were measured. Results Based on our results, KNO 3 treatment improved LRWC, Chl stability, SC, and key stress markers like proline, MDA, H 2 O 2 , along with antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, POD during both stress and recovery phases. Moreover, our results emphasized KNO 3 's critical role in hormone regulation under stress. KNO 3 application significantly altered hormone levels, notably increasing ABA during drought and heat shock stress, essential for stress response and adaptation. In contrast, IAA, GA, and cytokinin’s significantly increased during the recovery phase in KNO 3 -treated plants, indicating improved growth regulation and stress recovery. In addition, KNO 3 application improved the recovery process of the rootstocks by restoring their physiological and biochemical functions. Conclusion This study suggests that the application of foliar KNO3 is an effective technique for enhancing the drought and heat tolerance as well as the recovery of Myrobalan 29C rootstocks. These results hold significant value for farmers, policymakers, and researchers, as they offer crucial insights into the development of drought-tolerant crops and the management of climate change’s adverse effects on agriculture.
Abstract licence: CC BY
Sources: aggregated from Europe PMC (EMBL-EBI), OpenAlex, Crossref, PubMed and other open scholarly databases. Retracted articles are excluded. Study information is provided for research purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Pharmacology and chemical data from DrugBank
Key facts
Drug status
Approved
Major interactions
None known
Half-life
Not available
Mechanism
Potassium (K+) is the principal cation modulating the osmotic balance of the body fluids.
Food interactions
None known
Human targets
1 target
Data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
Pharmacokinetics at a glance
Absorption
Volume of distribution
Metabolism
6 months
[L1754]…
Elimination
[L1754]
Pharmacokinetic data: DrugBank · CC BY-NC 4.0
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 [L1736].
[L1751][L1754][L1757]
Known interactions with other medications. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 50 of 874 interactions
[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]
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].
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].
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].
How the body processes this drug — absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination
[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]
[L1754]
[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]
[L1754]
Proteins and enzymes this drug interacts with in the body
PMID:10219239 PMID:10753933 PMID:10790218 PMID:10837251 PMID:11997281 PMID:12063277 PMID:18559421 PMID:22314138 PMID:22359612 PMID:26363003 PMID:27916661 PMID:9230439 PMID:9351446 PMID:9765245
Channel properties are modulated by cAMP and subunit assembly .
PMID:10837251
Characterized by unusual gating kinetics by producing relatively small outward currents during membrane depolarization and large inward currents during subsequent repolarization which reflect a rapid inactivation during depolarization and quick recovery from inactivation but slow deactivation (closing) during repolarization .
PMID:10219239 PMID:10753933 PMID:10790218 PMID:10837251 PMID:11997281 PMID:12063277 PMID:18559421 PMID:22314138 PMID:22359612 PMID:26363003 PMID:27916661 PMID:9230439 PMID:9351446 PMID:9765245
Forms a stable complex with KCNE1 or KCNE2, and that this heteromultimerization regulates inward rectifier potassium channel activity PMID:10219239 PMID:9230439
Proteins that transport this drug across cell membranes
Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
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Chemical identifiers
CAS, UNII, InChI Key and database cross-references
Linked compound data from DrugBank Open Data (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Potassium nitrate
Additional database identifiers
Drugs Product Database (DPD)
7157
ChemSpider
22843
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:6251
GenAtlas
KCNH2
GeneCards
KCNH2
GenBank Gene Database
U04270
GenBank Protein Database
487738
Guide to Pharmacology
572
UniProt Accession
KCNH2_HUMAN
GenBank Gene Database
U68759
UniProt Accession
P71278_ENTCL
HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC)
HGNC:7508
GenAtlas
MUC1
GeneCards
MUC1
GenBank Gene Database
M21868
UniProt Accession
MUC1_HUMAN
DrugBank citations
If you use DrugBank data in your research, please cite the following publications:
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Structured knowledge from the free knowledge base
Linked open data from Wikidata (Q177836), a free and open knowledge base operated by the Wikimedia Foundation. Data is available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication.