potassium hydroxide

potassium /po·tas·si·um/ (K) (pah-tas´e-um) chemical element, at. no. 19. Potassium is the chief cation of intracellular fluid, and many of its salts are used as electrolyte replenishers and antihypokalemics, including p. acetate, p. bicarbonate, p. chloride, and p. gluconate. For potassium salts not listed here, see under the active ingredient.

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potassium bitartrate  a compound administered rectally with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide; used for relief of constipation, evacuation of the colon before surgical or diagnostic procedures, and pre- and postpartum bowel emptying.

potassium chloride  an electrolyte replenisher, KCl.

potassium citrate  a systemic and urinary alkalizer, electrolyte replenisher, and diuretic.

dibasic potassium phosphate  the dipotassium salt, K2HPO4; used alone or in combination with other phosphate compounds as an electrolyte replenisher.

potassium hydroxide  an alkalizer used in pharmaceutical preparations.

potassium iodide  a thyroid inhibitor used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, as a radiation protectant to the thyroid, as an iodine replenisher, and as an antifungal.

monobasic potassium phosphate  the monopotassium salt, KH2PO4; used as a buffering agent in pharmaceutical preparations and, alone or in combination with other phosphate compounds, as an electrolyte replenisher, urinary acidifier, and antiurolithic.

potassium permanganate  the potassium salt of permanganic acid, used as a topical anti-infective, oxidizing agent, and as an antidote for certain poisons.

potassium phosphate  a compound combining potassium and phosphoric acid, usually dibasic potassium phosphate.

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potassium hydroxide

n.

A caustic white solid used as a bleach and in the manufacture of soaps, dyes, and many potassium compounds. Also called potash.

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potassium hydroxide (KOH),

a white, soluble, highly caustic compound. Occasionally used in solution as an escharotic for bites of rabid animals, KOH has many laboratory uses as an alkalinizing agent, including the preparation of clinical specimens for examination for fungi under the microscope.